FLINCH

[verb] [I] - to make a sudden small movement because of pain or fearHe flinched as the doctor touched his wounded leg.She listened to the teacher's criticisms without flinching.(figurative) We must not flinch from doing our duty (= avoid it because it is unpleasant).(figurative) These are people who wouldn't flinch from harming (= are willing to harm) innocent children.