flinch

Pronunciation: /flɪntʃ/ (IPA), flinch (American)

Origin: Late Middle English, probably from Old French flenchir 'turn aside'

Part of Speech: verb

Meanings:

1. To make a quick, nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain, or surprise
2. To draw back or shrink from (something) in fear or distaste

Example Sentences:

1. He didn't flinch when the doctor gave him the injection.
2. The boxer flinched as his opponent's fist came dangerously close to his face.
3. She flinched at the sound of the thunderclap.

Related Words:

• Noun form: flinch
• Adjective: flinching
• Adverb: flinchingly

Synonyms:

• wince
• recoil
• shrink
• quail
• cringe

Memorization Trick: Think of "flinch" as a combination of "fly" and "inch." When you flinch, you quickly "fly" back an "inch" due to fear or surprise. Imagine a fly buzzing near your face, causing you to instinctively move back an inch.