recoil
recoil Lexical Profile
recoil Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust.
"He instinctively recoiled when he saw the large spider on the garden wall."
To rebound or spring back through elasticity or kinetic force after hitting something or being released.
"The stretched rubber band recoiled sharply as soon as the tension was released."
To have an adverse reactive effect on the originator (of an action or plan).
"Their dishonest marketing strategy eventually recoiled upon the company, damaging its reputation."
• noun
The backward momentum or springing motion of an elastic object or mechanical device when released or discharged.
"The physics professor measured the backward recoil of the compressed spring during the experiment."
The act of drawing or shrinking back suddenly in fear, horror, or disgust.
"Her immediate recoil at the unpleasant odor made everyone in the laboratory laugh."
• Rhymes for recoil
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French reculer ('to draw back, retreat'), formed from re- ('back') and cul ('buttock, backside'), which derives from Latin culus.