When to Say Flinch?

Often it's used to describe a person who shows a moment of weakness or fright: he was so tough, I thought he'd never flinch, but snakes really freak him out. To flinch is to pull away suddenly or recoil when something frightens or hurts you.

What does it mean when you flinch?

intransitive verb. : to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince He flinched when he was presented with the car repair bill. also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort I cannot help flinching when I hear the dentist's drill.

How do you use the word flinch?

Flinch sentence example

It was her turn to flinch at the sting of his words. She tried not to flinch when he touched her cheek. The crowd's sudden roar made her flinch . Jessi refused to flinch .

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.