shrinks back
Pulls away instinctively
To shrink back is to recoil or withdraw, typically from fear, disgust, or reluctance.
The movement may be physical—She shrinks back from the flames—or psychological, describing hesitation to engage with something unpleasant or daunting: He shrinks back from confrontation.
The phrase suggests an instinctive, protective retreat.
- cowerShrink back in dread
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- fearEmotional response to threat
- cringeShrink from discomfort
shies away · pulls away · recoil · trepidation · reluctance · cold feet · indecision · hesitation · balk · disengagement · wince · withdraw · anxiety · evasion · distancing · surrender · retreat · squeamish
shrinks backadvances
Forward movements or progress
leans in · approaches · charges · moves forward · pushes forward
shrinks backstands one's ground
confronts · stands up to · steps up · braves · holds fast
shrink, shrinks, shrank, shrunk, shrunken, shrinking, shrinker, back, backs