Definition & Meaning of "recoil"

to recoil

to suddenly move back in response to something surprising, frightening, or unpleasant

flinch

jump

start

spring back, as from a forceful thrust

spring back; spring away from an impact

come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect

Recoil

a movement back from an impact

the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired

recoil

Example

As the dentist approached with the needle, she recoiled.

She recoiled from his touch, feeling a sudden rush of unease.

When the ghostly figure appeared in the doorway, he recoiled in horror.

He recoiled from the sight of the gruesome accident, unable to look at the scene.

Carlos recoiled a little at the sharpness in my voice, feeling taken aback.

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