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

recoil from, recoil in horror, recoil from the shock

Formal and Informal Expressions of recoil

In different contexts, you can replace 'recoil' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'flinch, shrink' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'back off, pull back' is a commonplace synonym.

recoil: Explore its Definition & Usage

recoil Definition

1suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust
2to move back because of fear or disgust
3the 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

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.