Flinch Meaning and Definition
Flinch
Pronunciation
/ˈflɪntʃ/
Part of Speech
noun
Definition
A sudden and involuntary movement of the body, often in response to a sudden or surprising stimulus, characterized by a quick withdrawal or avoidance of an unpleasant or threatening situation.
Examples
- He flinched at the sound of the gunshot.
- She flinched at the sudden touch.
Synonyms
- Withdraw
- Dodge
Antonyms
- Meet
- Face
Etymology
The word “flinch” comes from the Old English word “flian”, which means “to shrink or withdraw”. It is related to the Proto-Germanic word “*fliziz”, which is also the source of the Modern German word “flehren”, meaning “to flinch”.
Usage Notes
Flinch is often used to describe a physical response to a sudden or unpleasant stimulus, such as a loud noise or a sudden touch. It can also be used to describe a more emotional response, such as a sudden fear or aversion.
Cultural References
The phrase “flinch at the sound of gunfire” is a common idiomatic expression, often used to describe someone who is sensitive to loud noises or has a traumatic reaction to sudden sounds.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Flinch at the sound of gunfire
- Flinch away
Related Words or Phrases
- Recoil
- Shrink
- Withdraw
Collocations
- Flinch at the thought
- Flinch away in fear
Frequency of Use
Flinch is a relatively common word in modern language, often used to describe a sudden or unexpected reaction.
Common Misspellings
- Flinc
- Flinchy