First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1recoil
verb re·coil \ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l\
: to quickly move away from something that is shocking, frightening, or disgusting : to react to something with shock or fear
of a gun : to move back suddenly when fired
Full Definition of RECOIL
intransitive verb
1
a : to fall back under pressure b : to shrink back physically or emotionally
2
: to spring back to or as if to a starting point : rebound
3
obsolete : degenerate
See recoil defined for English-language learners
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Origin of RECOIL
Middle English reculen, recoilen, from Anglo-French reculer, recuiler, from re- + cul backside — more at culet
Synonym Discussion of RECOIL
recoil, shrink, flinch, wince, blench, quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste. recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust <recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice <shrank from the unpleasant truth>. flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching>. wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) <winced in pain>. blench implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching>. quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear <quailed before the apparition>.
2recoil
noun re·coil \ˈrē-ˌkȯi(-ə)l, ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l\
: the sudden backward movement of a gun that happens when the gun is fired
Full Definition of RECOIL
1
: the act or action of recoiling; especially : the kickback of a gun upon firing
2
: reaction <the recoil from the rigors of Calvinism — Edmund Wilson>
See recoil defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RECOIL
14th century
RECOIL Defined for Kids
1recoil
verb re·coil \ri-ˈkȯil\
re·coiledre·coil·ing
Definition of RECOIL for Kids
1
: to draw back <He recoiled in horror.>
2
: to spring back to or as if to a starting position <The rifle recoiled upon firing.>
2recoil
noun
Definition of RECOIL for Kids
: a sudden backward movement or springing back (as of a gun just fired)
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