noun / verb
recoil
rih-KOYL/rɪˈkɔɪl/
A sudden movement backward from an impact or threat.
The adult recoils from the hissing cat with both hands raised.
Etymology
The pieces combine “back” with “backside,” giving an image of backward movement. The older sense “retreat” connects that image to suddenly springing or shrinking away.
In context
sometimes you shoot them and they recoil back like they've been shot in the head
More examples
- I recoil when the snake lunges toward my hand.
- She recoils from the sour smell in the refrigerator.
- The cannon recoiled as smoke poured from its barrel.
Forms
recoil · recoils · recoiled · recoiling