Meaning & Definition of word "Wince"

Wince

/wɪns/

1. An involuntary grimace or shrinking movement caused by pain or distress.
- Example: There was a clear wince on his face when he heard the loud sound.
2. A slight flinch in reaction to something uncomfortable.
- Example: Her wince did not go unnoticed when he mentioned the accident.

1. To make a slight grimace or shrinking movement out of pain or distress.
- Example: He winced in pain when the doctor pressed on his injured ankle.
2. To flinch or recoil from something unpleasant or uncomfortable.
- Example: She winced at the thought of having to give a speech in front of the large crowd.

Middle English wincen, from Old English wincian 'to bend, to shrink'.

wince and bear it:

To endure an uncomfortable situation without complaint.

wince in pain:

To physically react to pain by flinching.

flinch:

To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to pain or surprise.

shrink:

To draw back or become smaller in size or shape.

Meaning: To react negatively to something uncomfortable.

Example Sentence: I winced when he mentioned that awful movie.

Meaning: To express discomfort or embarrassment.

Example Sentence: She winced at his terrible joke.