Background for flinch

flinch

/flɪntʃ/

Illustration flinch - Image 1

Illustration flinch - Image 2

noun

A reflexive jerking away.

Examples :

"My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes."

physiology body action sensation

Illustration flinch - Image 1

noun

The slipping of the foot from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Examples :

"The croquet player's flinch cost them the game. "

Illustration flinch - Image 1

Illustration flinch - Image 2

verb

To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe.

Examples :

"The child made his drawing and presented it to his father, but his father responded with a critical comment, and the child appeared to flinch. "

physiology sensation body action

Illustration flinch - Image 1

verb

To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty

Examples :

""When asked about the missing money, he seemed to flinch and changed the subject." "

attitude action

Illustration flinch - Image 1

verb

To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Examples :

"During the croquet game, the student flinched, causing the mallet to miss the ball completely. "

Illustration flinch - Image 1

verb

To strip the blubber or skin from, as from a whale, seal, etc.

Examples :

"The crew flinched the blubber from the whale carcass to use for oil. "

animal nautical food process