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
Phrases with flinch
Example
He never flinched from a challenge.
Example
She flinched at the thought of speaking in public.
Example
Despite the criticism, he did not flinch an inch from his position.
Origins of flinch
from Old French 'flenchir', meaning 'to bend'
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.
