Recoil Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/riˈkoʊl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A sudden or abrupt movement away from something, often in a violent or impulsive manner; a backward or outward swing; a rapid recovery or return to a previous state.

Examples

• The sudden recoil of the spring caused the object to fly back.
• After being hit, the boxer’s legs recoiled beneath him.

Synonyms

• Rebound
• Echo

Antonyms

• Advance
• Protrude

Etymology

The word ‘Recoil’ originates from the Old French word ‘recoller’, meaning ‘to gather again or come together’. It is derived from ‘recouler’, a combination of ‘re-‘ (meaning ‘back’ or ‘again’) and ‘couler’ (meaning ‘to gather or flow’). The term initially referred to the action of shooting fish or arrows with a bow and then retrieving the projectiles.

Usage Notes

The word ‘Recoil’ is often used in various contexts, including physics, where it describes the action of a spring or a pendulum returning to its original position. In everyday language, it is used to describe a sudden or impulsive movement, such as when someone recoils in shock or fright.

Cultural References

The term ‘Recoil’ has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. In William Golding’s novel ‘The Lord of the Flies’, the concept of recoil is explored in the context of human nature and animal behavior.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• ‘Recoil with fear’ – to feel sudden fear or horror.

Related Words or Phrases

Terms closely related to ‘Recoil’ include: Recoil backwards (movement away from something), Recoil from (to move away from something with sudden or painful movement), Recoil in (to suddenly pull oneself in or shudder).

Collocations

Phrases commonly used with ‘Recoil’ include: Recoil effect, Recoil motion, Recoil energy.

Frequency of Use

The word ‘Recoil’ is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is prevalent in scientific and technical contexts. It is estimated that ‘Recoil’ is used in approximately 1% of spoken language.

Common Misspellings

• Re Cole
• Re Coul