Meaning & use
Recoiled
Last updated
Suddenly moved or drew back, typically in fear, horror, or disgust; also, sprang back after a shot or blow.
See it in a sentence
She recoiled in disgust when she saw the mold on the bread.
The rifle recoiled sharply against his shoulder as he fired.
A note on using this word
The physical sense, describing a gun's kickback, and the emotional sense, describing a flinch of disgust, both derive from the idea of springing backward.
Words with a similar meaning
flinchedrebounded
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