Recoil

Quick meaning: Recoil is a noun meaning A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.

Meaning

A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.

More Meanings

1. The state or condition of having recoiled.
2. An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
3. To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
4. (weaponry) Of a firearm: to quickly push back when fired.
5. (firearms) The 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.
6. (archaic) To recoil before an opponent.
7. (obsolete) To retire, withdraw.

Example Sentences

the recoil of nature, or of the blood

The recoil from formalism is skepticism.

Her will, recoiling to her better judgement

He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess.

Word Forms

• recoils
• recoiling
• recoiled
• recoyle

Synonyms for recoil

Depending on context, synonyms include kick, spring, cringe, rebound, shrink, flinch.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include backlash, rebound, shrink, kick back, bounce, repercussion.

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