flinch
verbEtymology From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.
1
To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe; to blench.
- A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining.1693, [John Locke], “(please specify the section number)”, in Some Thoughts Concerning Education, London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], →OCLC:
2
To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
3
To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.
- Derived terms
- flincher, flinchless, flinchy, two for flinching