flinched

Shrank from pain

Flinched is the past tense of flinch, meaning to make a quick, involuntary movement away from something painful or frightening: She flinched when the nurse inserted the needle.

Figuratively, to flinch is to shrink from difficulty or unpleasantness: He didn't flinch from telling her the truth.

reaction

wince

Reflexive recoil from distress

  • recoilBackward force from discharge
  • cringeShrink from discomfort
  • shudderConvulsive trembling from fear

cower · shrink · blench · quail · shy · balk · falter · grimace · blanch · draw back

reflex

twitch

Involuntary muscular jerk

  • jerkAbrupt pulling motion
  • spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
  • blinkRapid lid movement

start · jolt · startle · involuntary · instinctive · automatic · knee-jerk · muscle · contraction · quiver

fear

dread

Intense anticipatory fear

panic · apprehension · trepidation · anxiety · horror · dismay · unease · nervousness · fearful · scared

avoidance

retreat

Sanctuary or withdrawal

duck · avoid · shy away · pull away · back away · hesitate · shirk · sidestep · escape · flee

pain

wince

Reflexive recoil from distress

  • grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
  • stingSharp wound from insect
  • burnDamage by heat

ache · throb · smart · tender · sore · bruise · wound · hurt · prick · pinch

Categories
Opposites
physical reaction to threat

flinchedstood fast

Remained resolutely unmoved

braced · leaned in · advanced · charged · lunged

psychological steadfastness

flinchedpersevered

Continued despite difficulty

stood fast · stood one's ground · steeled oneself · doubled down · dug in

physical response to threat/pain

flinchedstayed put

Continued in place

unflinching · braced · steeled oneself

Phrases
Family

flinch, unflinching, flinching, flinches, unflinchingly

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G