Recoil: meaning, definitions and examples

Recoil is commonly used when someone physically or emotionally pulls back in fear, shock, or disgust. This is often involuntary and notable.

• She recoiled in horror at the sight of the spider.
• He recoiled when he realized his mistake.

Flinch is used to describe a quick, small physical movement as a reaction to pain, surprise, or fear. It tends to be more about reflex than conscious choice.

• She didn't flinch when the nurse gave her the shot.
• He flinched at the loud noise.

Shrink generally refers to pulling back, either physically or psychologically, often due to fear or discomfort. This word can have a more prolonged or cautious connotation compared to 'recoil' or 'flinch'.

• The child shrank away from the barking dog.
• She shrank into her seat when the teacher called on her.

Cringe is used when someone feels embarrassed or uncomfortable, often in a social context. It can involve a physical reaction but is primarily emotional.

• I cringed when I saw my old yearbook photo.
• He made a joke so bad that everyone in the room cringed.

Shudder is used to describe a sudden, strong shaking movement often due to fear, horror, or cold. It implies a noticeable, often involuntary, physical reaction.

• He shuddered at the thought of the haunted house.
• The cold wind made her shudder.

Use when describing the backward movement of a gun when it is fired or a similar reaction to an unexpected event. Often has a slightly negative or strong connotation, especially when associated with fear or surprise.

• The rifle had a strong recoil, pushing the soldier back a few steps.
• She couldn't help but recoil in horror at the gruesome scene.

Appropriate for describing something bouncing back after hitting a surface, recovery after a failure or setback, including in sports or personal situations. Generally more neutral or positive.

• The basketball player grabbed the rebound and scored another point.
• After a tough year, the company managed to rebound and return to profitability.

Best used for the physical reaction of firing a gun, machinery response, or describing an illegal payment made to someone as part of a corrupt deal, giving it a negative connotation in financial contexts.

• The powerful shotgun's kickback almost knocked him off his feet.
• The politician was arrested for taking kickbacks from a construction company.

Ideal for describing the prolonged sound that echoes or the lasting effect of an event or action, often carrying a neutral to slightly dramatic connotation.

• The reverberation of the church bells could be heard throughout the village.
• The decision to close the factory had reverberations across the entire community.