flinch
/flɪntʃ/
verb
- To make a sudden, small movement because of pain, fear, or surprise.
- The dog flinched at the loud noise of the thunder.
- She flinched as the cold water hit her face.
- He didn't flinch when the doctor gave him the injection.
- To avoid doing something because of fear or hesitation.
- He didn't flinch from telling the truth, no matter how hard it was.
- She flinched at the thought of speaking in front of the crowd.
- The soldier never flinched from his duty, even in danger.
noun
- An act of flinching; a sudden, small movement caused by pain, fear, or surprise.
- There was no flinch in her expression as she faced the challenge.
- With a quick flinch, he pulled his hand away from the hot stove.
- She noticed his flinch when the ball came toward him.