1flinch1 (flɪntʃ
)
Definitions
verb (intr)
- to draw back suddenly, as from pain, shock, etc; wince ⇒
he flinched as the cold water struck him
- (often foll by from) to avoid contact (with); shy away ⇒
he never flinched from his duty
noun
- the act or an instance of drawing back
- a card game in which players build sequences
Alternative Forms
ˈflincher noun ˈflinchingly adverb Word Origin
C16: from Old French flenchir ; related to Middle High German lenken to bend, direct
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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shy away,
shrink,
withdraw,
flee,
retreat,
back off,
swerve,
shirk,
draw back,
baulk,
flense (flɛns) or flench (flɛntʃ) or flinch (flɪntʃ)
Definitions
verb
- (tr) to strip (a whale, seal, etc) of (its blubber or skin)
Alternative Forms
ˈflenser ˈflencher ˈflincher noun Word Origin
C19: from Danish flense ; related to Dutch flensen
