n.
Pronunciation: ri- ' ko ̇ i(- ə )l
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English reculen, recoilen, from Anglo-French reculer, recuiler, from re- + cul backside ― more at CULET
Date: 14th century
1 a : to fall back under pressure b : to shrink back physically or emotionally
2 : to spring back to or as if to a starting point : REBOUND
3 obsolete : DEGENERATE
synonyms RECOIL , SHRINK , FLINCH , WINCE , BLENCH , QUAIL mean to draw back in fear or distaste. RECOIL implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust < recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. SHRINK suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice < shrank from the unpleasant truth>. FLINCH implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching >. WINCE suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) < winced in pain>. BLENCH implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching >. QUAIL suggests shrinking and cowering in fear < quailed before the apparition>.