Blench

To involuntarily flinch, recoil, or shrink back from something due to surprise, shock, fear, or disgust. Often used in the context of physical reactions, it can also refer to more metaphorical reactions, indicating a sudden emotional response to an unexpected situation. Its usage is more common in literary contexts or when describing strong emotional responses.

Blench meaning with examples

• Upon hearing the loud crash outside, she couldn't help but blench in surprise. It felt as though the world had momentarily stopped, her heart racing as she turned to see what had caused the commotion. The suddenness of the sound created an involuntary reaction, her body recoiling before she even processed the thought of stepping outside to investigate the disturbance.
• He tried to maintain a brave face during the horror movie, but when the monster jumped out from behind the door, he blenched, instinctively covering his eyes. The build-up had been intense, and even though he knew it was just a film, the shock of the moment was too much for him, highlighting the power of suspense in storytelling.
• The teacher warned the students about the upcoming test, but when the test papers were handed out, many of them blenched at the sight of the complicated equations. Their faces expressed a mix of dread and disbelief, as the reality of their preparation (or lack thereof) hit them. It was a reminder that sometimes anticipation can be more terrifying than the event itself.
• When the doctor explained the potential side effects of the medication, I couldn't help but blench. Each word seemed to pierce through the calm atmosphere, turning my apprehension into a vivid awareness of the unknown. The thought of enduring even minor side effects was unsettling, and I felt my composure slip as I processed the weight of the decision I had to make.
• During the heated debate, one candidate made a shocking accusation against another. The audience blenched collectively, their gasps filling the room, as the tension escalated. It was a moment that vividly illustrated the power of words and how they can cause instantaneous emotional reactions that reverberate through a crowd, inevitably changing the course of the discussion.