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flinch

verb

/flɪntʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of flinch

To suddenly and involuntarily move or react in response to fear, pain, surprise, or discomfort.
"He couldn't help but flinch when the loud thunderclap shook the house."

Detailed meaning of flinch

The verb 'flinch' refers to a It involves a quick and instinctive recoil or withdrawal of the body, often characterized by a slight jerk or twitch. When someone flinches, they typically exhibit a visible physical response, such as closing their eyes, drawing back, or tensing up. Flinching is often an automatic reflex aimed at protecting oneself from perceived harm or danger. It can occur in anticipation of a threat or as an immediate reaction to an unexpected stimulus. Flinching can also be used metaphorically to describe an emotional or psychological response, where someone withdraws or shows hesitancy in the face of a challenging or intimidating situation. Overall, 'flinch' denotes a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat, discomfort, or surprise.

Example sentences containing flinch

1. He will not flinch in the face of adversity.
2. Don't flinch when the ball comes towards you.
3. The soldier did not flinch as bullets whizzed past.
4. She couldn't help but flinch at the loud crash.
5. I won't flinch from speaking my mind.
6. The boxer refuses to flinch, no matter how hard he's hit.

History and etymology of flinch

The verb 'flinch' has its etymological roots in Old French and Middle English. In Old French, the term 'flenchir' meant 'to bend' or 'to bow down,' and it was used in various contexts to describe physical and metaphorical reactions. Over time, as Middle English evolved, 'flinch' emerged to specifically represent the sudden and involuntary movement or reaction in response to fear, pain, surprise, or discomfort. The etymology of 'flinch' underscores its historical association with the idea of a reflexive or instinctual response, often involving a quick and involuntary movement, as if one is figuratively 'bending away' from the source of discomfort or danger.

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Further usage examples of flinch

1. The teacher's stern gaze made the students flinch.
2. Even under intense pressure, she won't flinch.
3. The dog lunged at me, causing me to flinch backward.
4. The child covered his ears, expecting a loud noise, but it didn't make him flinch.
5. He held his ground and didn't flinch when confronted with the truth.
6. The intense heat made them flinch, but they pressed on.
7. She stared directly into the bright light without flinching.
8. No matter how challenging the task, he won't flinch from it.
9. The detective's piercing question made the suspect flinch.
10. The athlete maintained focus and didn't flinch at the starting line.
11. The piercing sound caused me to flinch involuntarily.
12. The intense criticism doesn't make her flinch; she knows her worth.
13. Don't flinch when faced with obstacles; overcome them.
14. He won't flinch from making the difficult decisions necessary for success.