blench
Shrink from fear
To blench is to flinch or draw back, typically from fear or unease: He blenched at the sight of blood.
The word is literary and somewhat old-fashioned, appearing more often in novels than conversation.
A separate, archaic blench means to turn pale—related to blanch—but this sense has largely fallen out of use.
Backward force from discharge
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- shrinkDecrease in size
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
- cringeShrink from discomfort
cower · shudder · start · jerk · twitch · quail · shy · draw back
Make pale or colorless
- blanchScald briefly, then cool
- paleLacking color intensity
- wanPale and unwell-looking
- ashenPale, grayish-white
pallid · colorless · drained · ghostly · lose color
Hesitate or fluctuate
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
- hesitatePause in uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- balkRefuse to proceed
shrink back · hang back · demur · recoil · shy away · hold back · vacillate · dither
Intense anticipatory fear
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- frightSudden intense fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
trepidation · panic · horror · anxiety · foreboding · misgiving · qualm · unease
recoil
Backward force from discharge
cringe · cower · shudder · start · jerk · twitch · quail · shy · draw back · pull back
whiten
Make pale or colorless
waver
Hesitate or fluctuate
balk · shrink back · hang back · demur · recoil · shy away · hold back · vacillate · dither · think twice
dread
Intense anticipatory fear
apprehension · trepidation · panic · horror · anxiety · foreboding · misgiving · qualm · unease · dismay
blenchflush
Same suit, five cards
blush · stand firm · hold steady · color · redden
blenchstand firm
Refuse to retreat
hold one's ground · confront · brave · stand fast · press forward