recoil

[rɪˈkɔɪl]

recoil Definition

• 1. suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust
• 2. to move back because of fear or disgust
• 3. the sudden backward movement made by a gun when it is fired

Using recoil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "recoil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She recoiled in horror at the sight of the spider.

• Example

  The dog recoiled from the loud noise.

• Example

  He recoiled at the thought of eating snails.

• Example

  The gun recoiled after firing.

recoil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for recoil

• flinch
• shrink
• wince
• quail
• cringe

Antonyms for recoil

• advance
• proceed
• move forward

Phrases with recoil

• recoil from

  to feel strong dislike or opposition to something and avoid it

  Example

  She recoiled from the idea of working with him again.

• recoil in horror

  to react with fear or disgust to something

  Example

  She recoiled in horror at the sight of the dead body.

• recoil from the shock

  to be shocked or surprised by something

  Example

  He recoiled from the shock of hearing the news.

Origins of recoil

from Old French 'reculer', meaning 'to go back'

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Summary: recoil in Brief

'Recoil' [rɪˈkɔɪl] is a verb that describes a sudden movement back in fear, horror, or disgust. It can also refer to the backward movement made by a gun when it is fired. Examples include 'She recoiled in horror at the sight of the spider' and 'The gun recoiled after firing.' 'Recoil from' is a common phrase that means to avoid something due to strong dislike or opposition.