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recoil

re·coil

recoil

 
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
pronunciation: rih koIl
inflections: recoils, recoiling, recoiled
definition 1: to draw or start back, as in disgust or horror.
synonyms:
shrink
similar words:
flinch, quail, react, retreat, shy, start, startle, wince, withdraw
definition 2: to move sharply in the opposite direction from an expended force, as a rifle moves against one's shoulder when fired.
synonyms:
kick
similar words:
bounce, jump, spring
definition 3: to cause damage by an unexpected return of negative effect.
The criticism recoiled against the critics.
synonyms:
backfire
similar words:
backlash, boomerang, react, redound
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part of speech: noun
pronunciation: ri koIl
definition 1: the movement that is an object's reaction to its own action, such as the kick of a firearm.
synonyms:
kick
similar words:
backlash, flinch, kickback, reaction
definition 2: the act or an instance of recoiling.
synonyms:
shy
similar words:
backlash, bounce, flinch, jump, reaction, spring
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