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
Phrases with recoil
Example
She recoiled from the idea of working with him again.
Example
She recoiled in horror at the sight of the dead body.
Example
He recoiled from the shock of hearing the news.
Origins of recoil
from Old French 'reculer', meaning 'to go back'
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.