flinch

• Nom désignant un mouvement soudain et involontaire ou une réaction de recul, généralement en réponse à la douleur, à la peur ou à la surprise.

A noun referring to a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction, typically in response to pain, fear, or surprise.

indénombrable

1. Sudden movementB2formal

   A quick, involuntary movement in response to pain, fear, or surprise.

   Sursaut (mouvement brusque et involontaire)

   • He gave a slight flinch when the needle touched his skin.
   • She noticed his flinch during the scary scene in the movie.
   • The flinch was barely visible, but she saw it.

   Synonymescringejerkrecoilstarttwitchwince

2. B2informal

   A brief sign of hesitation or reluctance to do something.

   Signe d'hésitation

   • He accepted the challenge without a flinch.
   • There was no flinch in her voice when she told the truth.
   • The soldier faced the danger without a flinch.

   Synonymesblenchrecoilshrinkstartwince

• Verbe décrivant un mouvement soudain et involontaire en réponse à la douleur, à la peur ou à la surprise, ou pour éviter quelque chose de désagréable.

A verb used to describe the act of making a sudden, involuntary movement in response to pain, fear, or surprise, or to avoid something unpleasant.

1. Physical reaction to pain or threatB2formal

   To make a sudden, small movement because of pain, fear, or surprise.

   réaction physique à la douleur ou à la menace

   • He flinched when the doctor touched his wound.
   • She flinched at the sound of the loud explosion.
   • The dog flinched as the ball came flying toward it.

   Synonymesblenchcringejerkquailrecoilshrinkstartwince

2. Avoid or hesitateB2formal

   To avoid doing something because of fear, discomfort, or reluctance.

   hésiter / se dérober

   • He didn't flinch from his responsibility to lead the team.
   • She flinched at the thought of public speaking.
   • They flinched from making the difficult decision.

   Synonymesbalkcringedemurquailrecoilshrinkwince

   Antonymesconfrontembracefacemeettackle