Flinch

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Flinch

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb and noun

Pronunciation

FLINCH  /flɪn(t)ʃ/

Definition

As a verb: to make a quick involuntary movement in response to pain, fear, or shock; to shrink back or recoil; to avoid or shrink from an unpleasant task or truth. As a noun: a quick involuntary recoil.

Plain meaning

To flinch is to recoil involuntarily — from pain, shock, or something difficult to face. The body's instinctive signal that something is too close or too much.

Register

Neutral. Standard in physical, emotional, and metaphorical contexts. Not flinching is often used to signal courage or honesty.