Word
flinch
US/ˈfɫɪntʃ/
UK/flˈɪntʃ/
Definition
n. a quick movement of your body when you are surprised or scared. It is the way your muscles jump when you hear a loud noise or see something sudden.
n. a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscles, typically in response to a startling stimulus. Often used to describe a physical reaction to fear or surprise.
Examples
“He gave a flinch when the loud thunder started.”
“The horse gave a noticeable flinch as the whip cracked near its flank.”
“The witness's flinch suggested a deep-seated fear of the defendant, even though she had maintained a calm exterior throughout the trial.”
Examples
simple
“He gave a flinch when the loud thunder started.”
contextual
“The horse gave a noticeable flinch as the whip cracked near its flank.”
complex
“The witness's flinch suggested a deep-seated fear of the defendant, even though she had maintained a calm exterior throughout the trial.”
Real-World Examples
“We know that they have the same sensors – called nociceptors – that cause us to flinch or cry when we are hurt.” Etymology
From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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