flinching
Shrinking from pain
Flinching is the act of drawing back or wincing, typically as an instinctive response to anticipated pain or discomfort: He couldn't help flinching when the needle went in.
The word extends to any involuntary shrinking from something unpleasant or difficult: She kept reading without flinching at the gruesome details.
Reflexive recoil from distress
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
- startleFrighten suddenly
blink · cringe · withdrawal · spasm · contraction · involuntary · instinctive · automatic
Reflexive recoil from distress
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- throbBeat with intensity
sting · burn · ache · sharp · tenderness · sensitivity · soreness · discomfort
Shrink from discomfort
- cowerShrink back in dread
- shrinkDecrease in size
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
apprehension · trepidation · anxiety · terror · alarm · timidity · unease · cowardice
Backward force from discharge
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- shrinkDecrease in size
- disgustIntense physical aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
repulsion · distaste · loathing · squeamish · repugnance · discomfort · withdrawal · grimace
Frighten suddenly
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
- gaspSudden sharp breath
start · caught off guard · unexpected · sudden · jarring · alarming · disconcerting · unsettling
wince
Reflexive recoil from distress
startle · blink · cringe · withdrawal · spasm · contraction · involuntary · instinctive · automatic · reaction
wince
Reflexive recoil from distress
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
throb · sting · burn · ache · sharp · tenderness · sensitivity · soreness · discomfort · smarting
cringe
Shrink from discomfort
dread · apprehension · trepidation · anxiety · terror · alarm · timidity · unease · cowardice · intimidation
recoil
Backward force from discharge
revulsion · repulsion · distaste · loathing · squeamish · repugnance · discomfort · withdrawal · grimace · shudder
startle
Frighten suddenly
gasp · start · caught off guard · unexpected · sudden · jarring · alarming · disconcerting · unsettling · taken aback
- defensive gesturescowering, cringing, ducking, recoiling, wincing
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- body reactionssweating, blushing, shiver, goosebumps, twitch
- body responsesfight, flight, shivering, freeze, goosebumps
- disgustdisgust, disgusting, disgusted, revulsion, repulsion
- fidgetingfidgeting, fidget, tapping, fiddle, finger tapping
flinchingbracing
Refreshingly keen or stimulating
steeling · leaning in · advancing · not moving · staying put
flinchingunflinching
Refusing to show fear
standing fast · holding firm · unwavering · resolute · steadfast
flinchingfollowing through
Completing what was started
persevering · pressing on · pushing forward · doubling down · standing one's ground
- without flinching
- two for flinchingRetaliatory strikes for startling