FLINCH

[flinch] vi [MF flenchir to bend, of Gmc origin; akin to MHG lenken to bend, OHG hlanca flank--more at lank] (1579): to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain: wince; also: to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort syn see recoil -- flinch n -- flinch.er n