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Recoil
//ɹɪˈkɔɪl// noun, verb
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking. countable, uncountable
"the recoil of nature, or of the blood"
- 2 a movement back from an impact wordnet
- 3 The state or condition of having recoiled. countable, uncountable
"The recoil from formalism is skepticism."
- 4 the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired wordnet
- 5 The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle. countable, uncountable
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- 6 An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment. intransitive
"He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess."
- 2 spring back, as from a forceful thrust wordnet
- 3 To recoil before an opponent. archaic, intransitive
"that rude rout […] forced them, how ever strong and stout / They were, as well approv'd in many a doubt, / Backe to recule […]"
- 4 spring back; spring away from an impact wordnet
- 5 Of a firearm: to quickly push back when fired. intransitive
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- 6 draw back, as with fear or pain wordnet
- 7 To retire, withdraw. intransitive, obsolete
"Ye both forwearied be: therefore a whyle / Iread you rest, and to your bowres recoyle."
- 8 come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect wordnet
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Old French reculer. Further from Latin re- + cūlus.
Etymology 2
From Old French reculer. Further from Latin re- + cūlus.
See also for "recoil"
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