CEFR B1

recoil

verb

Meaning

To spring back suddenly, as if in fear, disgust, or pain; to flinch.

Examples

She recoiled from the spider crawling on her arm.
He recoiled at the thought of eating insects.

Synonyms: flinch, shrink, cringe, startle

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recoil (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /rɪˈkɔɪl/

Definition

To spring back suddenly, as if in fear, disgust, or pain; to flinch.

Examples

She recoiled from the spider crawling on her arm.
He recoiled at the thought of eating insects.
The crowd recoiled when the fireworks exploded too close.

How to Use recoil

recoil from (prepositional phrase): To avoid or withdraw from something because it is unpleasant or frightening. — "Many people recoil from the idea of public speaking."
recoil in (prepositional phrase): To move back suddenly as a reaction to a specific emotion (e.g., fear, disgust, horror). — "She recoiled in shock when she saw the bill."

Synonyms of recoil

Words with a similar meaning to recoil:

Antonyms of recoil

Words with the opposite meaning to recoil:

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