flinch
Translation
to flinch, to wince, to recoil
Examples
He flinched when he saw the needle.
He flinched when he saw the needle.
She didn't even flinch at the loud noise.
She didn't even flinch at the loud noise.
Grammar Patterns
to flinch to make a sudden, small movement She didn't even flinch.
to flinch at ((sth.)) to react to (sth.) with a sudden movement He flinched at the sight of the needle.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wince, recoil, cringe
Etymology
From Old French 'flenchir' meaning 'to bend, turn aside'.
Memory Tips
Think of how you might 'flinch' away from a 'pinch'. The words rhyme and are related in action.