flinch

[flɪn(t)ʃ]

flinch Definition

  • 1make a quick, nervous movement of the face or body as an instinctive reaction to surprise, fear or pain
  • 2show sudden embarrassment or hesitation

Using flinch: Examples

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

  • Example

    He flinched at the sight of the needle.

  • Example

    She didn't flinch when she heard the bad news.

  • Example

    The boxer didn't flinch when his opponent punched him in the face.

  • Example

    I flinched when I saw the spider crawling on my arm.

flinch Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flinch

Antonyms for flinch

Phrases with flinch

  • avoid doing something difficult or unpleasant

    Example

    He never flinched from a challenge.

  • feel nervous or hesitant about something

    Example

    She flinched at the thought of speaking in public.

  • remain calm and resolute in the face of adversity

    Example

    Despite the criticism, he did not flinch an inch from his position.

Origins of flinch

from Old French 'flenchir', meaning 'to bend'

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Summary: flinch in Brief

To 'flinch' [flɪn(t)ʃ] means to make a quick, nervous movement of the face or body as an instinctive reaction to surprise, fear, or pain. It can also mean to show sudden embarrassment or hesitation. Examples include 'He flinched at the sight of the needle' and 'She didn't flinch when she heard the bad news.' Phrases include 'flinch from,' meaning to avoid doing something difficult or unpleasant, and 'not flinch an inch,' meaning to remain calm and resolute in the face of adversity.