Flinch

/flɪnʧ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quick or nervous movement caused by fear or pain.

His flinch was noticeable when he heard the gunshot.

A reaction of fear or apprehension.

There was a noticeable flinch in her voice when he mentioned the accident.

verb

To make a quick, nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear or pain.

She did not flinch when the doctor gave her the injection.

To shrink back or withdraw from something unpleasant.

He flinched at the thought of speaking in front of a large crowd.

To show a slight instinctive reaction to something startling or unpleasant.

The loud crash made everyone flinch.

Middle English 'flinchein' from Old French 'flincher', which means to recoil or shrink.

not flinch an inch

to remain steadfast and not back down.

flinch at

to show fear or hesitation towards something.

wince

to make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement out of pain or distress.

recoil

to spring back; to move back suddenly, as in shock or fear.

to back down from a challenge or difficult situation.

Don't flinch now, stand tall!

to avoid confrontation.

He flinched when it was time to discuss the issue.