leaning away
Angling one's body
Leaning away describes the physical act of tilting one's body backward or to the side to create distance from something.
The gesture often signals discomfort, disinterest, or distrust: She noticed him leaning away whenever she brought up the subject.
Body language experts read leaning away as a sign of psychological withdrawal or disagreement, even when words say otherwise.
- recoilingJerking backward in reaction
- flinchingInvoluntary recoil response
- shrinkingDecreasing in dimension
- backing offCeasing to pursue
- withdrawingRemoving or pulling away
pulling back · stepping back · retreating · tilting · distancing · keeping distance · averting · shying · cringing · wincing · swerving · dodging · fight or flight · repulsed · uncomfortable · body language · arms crossed · hesitant
leaning awayleaning in
Tilting body forward
leaning toward · leaning forward · approaching · advancing · standing upright
leaning awayleaning in
Tilting body forward
engaging · reaching out · opening up · embracing · connecting
leaning awayleaning in
Tilting body forward
drawn to · attracted · receptive · interested · curious