I. ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l 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
II. ˈrē-ˌkȯi(-ə)l, ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l noun
Date: 14th century
1. : the act or action of recoiling ; especially : the kickback of a gun upon firing
2. : reaction
the recoil from the rigors of Calvinism — Edmund Wilson