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Flinch

//flɪnt͡ʃ// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun

1
A reflexive jerking away.
"My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes."
2
a reflex response to sudden pain wordnet
3
The slipping of the foot from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Verb

1
To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe; to blench. intransitive
"A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining."
2
Alternative form of flense. alt-of, alternative
3
draw back, as with fear or pain wordnet
4
To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
5
To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.

Etymology 2

From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.

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