Recoil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
recoil
[rษชหkษษชl ]
Definitions
in shooting
To suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust.
Synonyms
cringe, flinch, shrink, shudder.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recoil |
Recoil is commonly used when someone physically or emotionally pulls back in fear, shock, or disgust. This is often involuntary and notable.
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| flinch |
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.
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| shrink |
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'.
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| cringe |
Cringe is used when someone feels embarrassed or uncomfortable, often in a social context. It can involve a physical reaction but is primarily emotional.
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| shudder |
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.
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Examples of usage
- He recoiled in horror at the sight of the dead body.
- The loud noise caused her to recoil in fear.
in physics
The action of springing back.
Synonyms
kickback, rebound, reverberation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recoil |
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.
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| rebound |
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.
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| kickback |
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.
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| reverberation |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The coil spring allows for the recoil of the gun after firing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, when a gun is fired, the backward movement of the gun is referred to as 'recoil'.
- Recoil is an important concept in mechanics, where objects often push back against forces applied to them.
- In various systems, particularly in firearms, recoil can be measured in terms of energy and momentum transfer.
Pop Culture
- Many action movies depict characters experiencing 'recoil' from explosions or gunfire to emphasize the force of the blasts.
- In video games, 'recoil' affects how a characterโs weapon behaves, influencing aiming and shooting mechanics.
- Animated characters often exaggerate 'recoil' in humorous ways after getting hit or after a powerful action.
Psychology
- Emotionally, people may 'recoil' at shocking news or unpleasant surprises, indicating a psychological retreat.
- This reflexive withdrawal can be a protective reaction to preserve emotional stability.
- In social situations, individuals might 'recoil' from hostile behavior, signaling discomfort or fear.
Literature
- Writers often use 'recoil' metaphorically, describing characters who pull back from difficult truths or emotional confrontations.
- Famous stories use this term to describe moments of shock, creating dramatic tension in novels and plays.
- Poetry sometimes captures the essence of 'recoil' to convey the deep emotional impact of life events.
Origin of 'recoil'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Old French word 'reculer', which means 'to draw back'.
- It has roots in Latin as 'recollere', which literally means 'to gather again'.
- The word has been in use in English since the late Middle Ages, highlighting its long-standing presence in the language.
The word 'recoil' originated in the late 14th century from the Middle French word 'reculer' meaning 'to retreat, to go back'. It has been used over the centuries to describe the sudden springing back or reaction to a force, both physically and emotionally.