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Definition of flinch

flinch

/flɪntʃ/
flinch
Adverb:flinchingly
•
Plural:flinches
•
Adjective:flinching
•
Past Simple:flinched
•
Past Participle:flinched
•
Present Participle:flinching
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flinch Lexical Profile

flinch Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a quick, nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain, or surprise.

Example

"He did not flinch when the nurse administered the vaccination."

2

To shrink back or avoid doing something due to fear, reluctance, or a lack of resolve.

Example

"The committee refused to flinch from making the difficult budget decisions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A quick, nervous, or involuntary movement made as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain, or surprise.

Example

"The doctor noticed a slight flinch when she pressed gently on the patient's sprained ankle."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for flinch

• Nearby Words

flimsily
flimsiness
flimsy
flinch
flinchingly
flinders
flinders river

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Old French flenchir ('to bend, turn aside, give way'), likely of Frankish or Germanic origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flinch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flinch
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