mindmap root((退缩)) recoil implies a start of a movement away prompted by shock, fear, or disgust: ~s at the sight of blood. shrink suggests an instinctive recoiling through sensitivities, scrupulousness, or cowardice: refused to ~ from responsibilities. flinch implies a failure to endure pain or to face something dangerous or frightening with resolution: faced her accusers without ~ling. wince suggests a slight involuntary physical recoiling from what pains, frightens, or disgusts: ~d when the new secretary called him by his first name. blench implies fainthearted, fearful flinching: never ~ed even as his head was lowered on the guillotine. quail suggests a shrinking and cowering in fear: ~ed at the fury of the storm.