Flinch

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪntʃ

Origin

Compare Gothic 𐍆𐌹𐌻𐌷𐌰𐌽, Icelandic fela ("to hide")

Webster 1913|flinch

Full definition of flinch

Noun

1. A reflexive jerking away.My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes.

Verb

1. To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus.
• John LockeA child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining.
2. To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
3. To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.