I. ˈflinch verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French flenchir, flainchir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German lenken to bend — more at lank
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to withdraw or shrink (as from an enterprise or responsibility) usually because of danger, difficulties, or distress involved or foreseen
flinch at the thought of their own participation in partisan politics — John Lodge
perilous to flinch from making the attempt — A.J.Toynbee
b. : to shrink from or as if from physical pain : wince , start
flinching from the vile air — Marcia Davenport
flinching from a dart of neuralgia — Ellen Glasgow
often : to tense the muscles suddenly and involuntarily in anticipation of some startling unpleasant event
many young shooters spoil their scores by flinching just before they pull the trigger
I cannot help flinching when I hear the dentist's drill
2. obsolete : to slink off or away
transitive verb
archaic : to draw back or hold back from (as some indulgence)
Synonyms: see recoil
II. noun
( -es )
: an act or instance of flinching
III.
variant of flense