WordGarden.iorecoil
B2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /riˈkɔɪl/
Meanings
Verb
to spring or jerk back suddenly
to react with sudden fear, disgust, or aversion
Noun
the backward kick of a gun or similar machine when fired
Beyond the definition
Imagine the sharp kick against a shooter's shoulder when a rifle is fired. That sudden backward movement is the heart of the word. It also describes the quick, often automatic way a person pulls back from something unpleasant or shocking. You might recoil from a spider, a hot flame, or a terrible smell. In a wider sense, it can also describe a strong feeling of dislike or alarm. If a friend tells a gruesome story, you might recoil in disgust. A company might recoil from a risky deal when the terms suddenly turn bad. It is a fast move away, either with the body or in the mind, from something that feels wrong or upsetting.
To recoil means to suddenly spring back or shrink away due to surprise, fear, or disgust. It is more than just moving backward; it implies an instinctive reaction—a physical manifestation of discomfort or shock. Think about accidentally touching a freezing piece of metal—your hand recoils before your brain even fully processes the temperature.
Originally, "recoil" specifically described the backward movement of a firearm when discharged. While that mechanical "kickback" remains a primary definition, the word has expanded to encompass deep emotional and psychological responses. You might recoil at the mere thought of a stressful task, or a politician might recoil from a controversial policy once they see the public's reaction.
The word suggests a powerful sense of aversion. It is not simply disagreeing with a concept; it is feeling viscerally repelled by it. In literature, a character might recoil from a villain's cruel words, showing their horror through their body language. In the business world, an investor might recoil from a merger if they discover hidden debts.
Whether it is a physical jump or a mental withdrawal, to recoil is to instinctively pull away from something that feels threatening, unacceptable, or revolting. It is a vivid word that captures both an immediate reflex and a deep-seated dislike.
Examples
- 1
Physical reaction
Maya recoiled when the pan splashed hot oil.
- 2
Sensory reaction
He recoiled from the sour smell coming from the sink.
- Patternrecoil from + unpleasant thing
react by pulling back from it
- 3
Conflict avoidance
She tends to recoil from conflict and difficult conversations.
- 4
Public objection
Many people recoiled at the idea of tracking students online.
- Patternrecoil at + idea/event
feel shock or strong dislike about it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Firearm noun
The rifle's recoil was stronger than I expected.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- recoilnounverb
Forms
- recoiledpast tenseverbnoun
- recoilsverbnoun
- recoiling-ing formverbnoun