noun🔗ShareA starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking."the recoil of nature, or of the blood"actionphysicsChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareThe state or condition of having recoiled."The boxer stepped back to brace himself from the recoil of his punch against the heavy bag. "conditionphysicsactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareThe energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle."The rifle's recoil was significant, making it difficult to hold steady. "energyphysicsweaponmilitarysciencemachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareAn escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly."The delicate recoil of the escapement in the grandfather clock allowed for accurate timekeeping. "machinetechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareTo pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment."He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess."actionsensationmindemotionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareTo retreat before an opponent."The smaller dog recoiled before the larger, more aggressive one, backing away slowly. "actionmilitarywarChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareTo retire, withdraw."The child seemed to recoil from the loud noise, shrinking back into his mother's arms. "actionattitudeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗Share(of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired"The gun recoiled sharply as the hunter fired. "weaponmilitarymachinephysicstechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
