English vocabulary · B2
Flinch
/flɪntʃ/ · v., n.
It means to move back or tense up suddenly because you expect something painful or shocking — your body reacts before you think.
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Example sentences
- He didn't flinch when the ball flew at his face.
- She flinched at the loud sound behind her.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- flenchir — bend away (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- RECOIL — pull back from something (Strong & Physical)
- WINCE — tense from pain or discomfort (Pain-focused)
- SHRINK — pull away in fear (Fear or discomfort)
Similar words
- recoil
- wince
- shrink
Lesson notes
Flinch. It means to move back or tense up suddenly because you expect something painful or shocking — your body reacts before you think.
Similar words are recoil, wince, and shrink. Use flinch when the body moves back automatically from shock or fear.
He didn't flinch when the ball flew at his face. She flinched at the loud sound behind her.
From Old French. Flenchir- means to bend away. Your body bends away before your mind decides — that is flinch.