flecche

to bend or flinch

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An older man makes a small involuntary recoil as a balloon bursts beside his shoulder: eyes squeezed shut, head drawn slightly back, shoulders briefly raised, and hands only just lifting.

verb / noun

flinch

FLINCH/flɪntʃ/

A sudden movement away from pain, fear, or an expected impact.

Etymology

flinchMiddle Englishto bend or flinch

Flinch apparently comes from Middle English flecche, meaning “to bend or flinch.” The bending image connects with the small bodily recoil made in response to fear, pain, or surprise.

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