flinch
n. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɫɪntʃ// UK //flˈɪntʃ// flinch
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.
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.
From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.