A Word A Day : Flinch





Monday, 27th August 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Flinch



( Verb & Noun )


Pronunciation : (fli'-nch)

1. To start or wince involuntarily, as from surprise or pain

2. To recoil, as from something unpleasant or difficult, shrink

3. To draw away involuntarily, usually out of fear or disgust

4. An act or instance of starting, wincing, or recoiling

5. An act of drawing back in an involuntary or instinctive fashion


Etymology:


Obsolete French flenchir, of Germanic origin


Synonyms:


1.blench

2.wince

3.start

4.shy

5.shrink

6.recoil

7.quail

8.cringe

9.approach

10.seek


Antonyms:


1.meet

2.face

3.confront


Contextual Example:


• He knew that he would suffer and die. But he did not flinch.

• Malbihn saw him instantly and fired. But Baynes did not flinch or duck.


Related Words:


Flinchingly : Adverb

Flincher : Noun




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