recoil
Definitions
verb
(intr)- to jerk back, as from an impact or violent thrust
- (often foll by from) to draw back in fear, horror, or disgust ⇒
to recoil from the sight of blood
- foll by on or upon to go wrong, esp so as to hurt the perpetrator
- (of a nucleus, atom, molecule, or elementary particle) to change momentum as a result of the emission of a photon or particle
noun
- the backward movement of a gun when fired
- the distance moved
- the motion acquired by a particle as a result of its emission of a photon or other particle
- the act of recoiling
Alternative Forms
reˈcoiler nounWord Origin
C13: from Old French reculer , from re- + cul rump, from Latin cūlusSynonyms
View thesaurus entryUsage examples
-- his own rifle fired twice, held almost clumsily so that the recoil hurt his ribs.
, The Last Raven (1990)But many researchers who think hypnosis depends on specific changes in brain function recoil at this suggestion.
New Scientist (1998)Will Williams encourage his men to relax and enjoy the lead-in, or will they recoil from the unwanted focus?
The Australian (2004)Meanwhile successful hedge fund managers, rich in entrepreneurship, may recoil from big company bureaucracy.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Her own feelings for Seymour were distressing and confusing, with elements of fear and desire, of longing and recoil.
, ELIZABETH AND MARY: Cousins, Rivals, Queens (2003)