# flinch

/ˈfɫɪntʃ/ (US) · /flˈɪntʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flinch
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.