flinch
verb
ˈflinch 
flinched; flinching; flinches
intransitive verb
: to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince
He flinched when he was presented with the car repair bill.
also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort
I cannot help flinching when I hear the dentist's drill.
flinch noun
flincher noun
Synonyms
- blench
- cringe
- quail
- recoil
- shrink
- squinch
- wince
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He flinched when I tapped him on the shoulder. She met danger without flinching. The bill was much higher than expected, but he paid it without flinching.
Recent Examples on the Web When asked what a world-famous tennis pro and an author have in common, Reid doesn’t flinch. 
Caitlin Brody, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2022 Better yet, the show doesn’t flinch from the tragic undertow with two bravura, extended video sequences combining the stiff upper-lippery of it all with its often fatal consequences. David Benedict, Variety, 15 July 2022 The creators don’t flinch from the most difficult conversations surrounding the topic, and the scenarios feel real to anyone who has ever given the subject of having children any serious thought. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The thud of artillery on the nearby front line resonated just a few miles away, making some workers flinch and others run for cover. Francesca Ebel, ajc, 10 July 2022 His teammates keep failing to make routine plays but Nichols refuses to flinch. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2022 Reports from some consumer-staples companies suggest households have yet to flinch at higher prices for basic items. Karen Langley, WSJ, 2 May 2022 When asked pregame whether the mood in the locker room was angry or nervous, Celtics coach Ime Udoka didn't flinch. Matt Eppers, USA TODAY, 17 June 2022 The Eagles did not flinch, responding with a three-run sixth inning that gave them a second straight state championship. Franco Panizo, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2022 See More
Caitlin Brody, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2022 Better yet, the show doesn’t flinch from the tragic undertow with two bravura, extended video sequences combining the stiff upper-lippery of it all with its often fatal consequences. David Benedict, Variety, 15 July 2022 The creators don’t flinch from the most difficult conversations surrounding the topic, and the scenarios feel real to anyone who has ever given the subject of having children any serious thought. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The thud of artillery on the nearby front line resonated just a few miles away, making some workers flinch and others run for cover. Francesca Ebel, ajc, 10 July 2022 His teammates keep failing to make routine plays but Nichols refuses to flinch. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2022 Reports from some consumer-staples companies suggest households have yet to flinch at higher prices for basic items. Karen Langley, WSJ, 2 May 2022 When asked pregame whether the mood in the locker room was angry or nervous, Celtics coach Ime Udoka didn't flinch. Matt Eppers, USA TODAY, 17 June 2022 The Eagles did not flinch, responding with a three-run sixth inning that gave them a second straight state championship. Franco Panizo, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French flenchir to bend, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German lenken to bend, Old High German hlanca flank — more at lank
First Known Use
1578, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
flinch
verb
ˈflinch
flinched; flinching
: to draw back from or as if from pain or fear
… Homily did not flinch as the great face came slowly closer. Mary Norton, The Borrowers
Mary Norton, The Borrowersflinching
verb
as in wincing
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust there are some patients who flinch at the mere sight of a needle Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- wincing
- recoiling
- cringing
- shuddering
- trembling
- hesitating
- shaking
- quailing
- shrinking
- quivering
- crouching
- quaking
- retreating
- blenching
- squinching
- twitching
- blanching
- withdrawing
- jerking
- faltering
- whitening
- paling
- wavering
- reeling
- receding
- retiring
- starting
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- approaching
- advancing
- confronting
- facing
- nearing
- defying
- challenging
- bearding