Wince

/wɪns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An involuntary grimace or shrinking movement caused by pain or distress.

There was a clear wince on his face when he heard the loud sound.

A slight flinch in reaction to something uncomfortable.

Her wince did not go unnoticed when he mentioned the accident.

verb

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

He winced in pain when the doctor pressed on his injured ankle.

To flinch or recoil from something unpleasant or uncomfortable.

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.

To react negatively to something uncomfortable.

I winced when he mentioned that awful movie.

To express discomfort or embarrassment.

She winced at his terrible joke.