Flinch: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone makes a quick, nervous movement in reaction to pain or fear.

• She didn't flinch when the doctor gave her the shot

Used when someone makes a slight grimace or shrinking movement due to pain or stress.

• He winced as the dentist drilled into his tooth

Used when someone feels embarrassed or disgusted, often due to someone else's actions or words.

• He cringed at the thought of his own awkward behavior

Used when someone makes a sudden movement due to a surprise or unexpected event.

• She started when the loud bang sounded

Use in situations where someone quickly and slightly moves back or away due to pain or fear.

• She didn't flinch when the doctor inserted the needle
• He flinched at the sudden loud noise

Use for describing small, involuntary muscle movement or spasm, often happening repeatedly and for short durations.

• She couldn't control the twitch in her eye
• The man's hand twitched nervously as he spoke

Use to describe a quick, sharp, sudden movement, often in response to a reflex or an unexpected stimulus.

• His hand jerked away from the hot stove
• The car jerked forward when the light turned green

Use when referring to a sudden, violent, and involuntary contraction of muscles, typically caused by a medical condition.

• He was taken to the emergency room due to a severe convulsion
• The patient experienced convulsions and had to be sedated