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DictionarywinceReaction to discomfort
verb / noun

wince

WINS/wˈɪns/

A flinch or grimace in response to pain or discomfort.

He winces after bumping his elbow.

A South Asian man briefly squeezing eyes and lips after bumping his elbow on a tabletop, one hand cradling elbow, small restrained flinch, no injury.
Etymology
winceOld Frenchto turn aside, avoid

Old French guenchir meant “to turn aside” or “avoid.” In English, the word first described horses recoiling suddenly; that movement connects naturally with a person's small flinch from pain or distress.

In context

Velvet Recaps41:37
The tingling gradually grows stronger, making Allen wince as he touches his chin. Our girl starts to panic, worried that the curry might be too spicy despite making this batch fairly sweet.
She Escaped Her Villainess Fate, But Accidentally Became the SAINTESS | Part 1 | Manga recap

More examples

  • The painful memory brought a wince to her face.
  • She winced at the embarrassing remark.
  • A brief wince betrayed his discomfort.

Forms

wince · winces · winced · wincing

Similar words

flinch
Flinch is a recoil from pain or threat; wince often includes a brief facial grimace.
grimace
A grimace is a facial expression; wince emphasizes a response to discomfort.