wince
Translation
to wince, to flinch, to grimace
Examples
He winced as the doctor gave him the shot.
He winced as the doctor gave him the shot.
She winced at his terrible joke.
She winced at his terrible joke.
Grammar Patterns
((at sth.)) to show pain or embarrassment suddenly in your face He winced as the doctor gave him the shot.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flinch, cringe, recoil
Etymology
From Old French 'guenchir' meaning 'to turn aside', indicating a movement of avoidance.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'wince-tince'. Imagine tensing up from a tiny pinch.