recoil
Recoil (verb) means to jerk or pull back suddenly, especially from fear, disgust, or shock. Example: “She recoiled at the sight of the spider.”
How to use recoil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo jump or spring backward, whether physically (a gun) or emotionally (from shock or disgust).
Word forms
recoiled past tense, recoils plural, recoils singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ at the sight of the spider.
Etymology
From Old French reculer, "to move back," from re- plus a Latin root related to culus — literally suggesting retreating "rear-first."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for recoil
See all rhymes for recoil →Frequently asked questions
What does “recoil” mean?
The word “recoil” means to jerk or pull back suddenly, especially from fear, disgust, or shock. In plain terms, to jump or spring backward, whether physically (a gun) or emotionally (from shock or disgust).
How do you pronounce “recoil”?
“Recoil” is pronounced REE-koyl (/ˈɹiːkɔɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “recoil” in a sentence?
Here is “recoil” used in a sentence: “She recoiled at the sight of the spider.”
What is another word for “recoil”?
Words with a similar meaning to “recoil” include kick.
What part of speech is “recoil”?
Depending on how it is used, “recoil” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “recoil” come from?
The word “recoil” comes from Latin. From Old French reculer, "to move back," from re- plus a Latin root related to culus — literally suggesting retreating "rear-first.".
Is “recoil” a common word?
“Recoil” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “recoil” have?
“Recoil” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to jerk or pull back suddenly, especially from fear, disgust, or shock.