Flinched

Flinched is the past tense of the verb 'flinch', which means to make a quick, involuntary movement away from something due to fear, pain, or surprise. This reaction often indicates a reflexive response to an immediate threat or unexpected stimuli, showcasing a natural human instinct to protect oneself from harm. Flinching can occur in physical situations as well as emotional ones, where people may withdraw or hesitate when confronted with discomforting ideas or actions.

Flinched meaning with examples

• When the loud thunderclap resonated through the room, Sarah flinched and instinctively covered her ears, her heart racing from the suddenness of the noise. The storm outside had always frightened her, and each clap of thunder felt like an invasion into her safe space.
• As the teacher raised her hand to emphasize her point, Jake flinched, recalling the times he had been scolded in class. His apprehension was palpable, and he braced himself for what he thought might be another reprimand, even though she meant no harm.
• During the horror movie, Kevin flinched at a particularly scary jump scare, his whole body reacting. The suspense had built up so effectively that his instincts took over, not allowing him to anticipate the fright that was about to occur.
• While gardening, Maria flinched when a bee buzzed too near her face, her hands instinctively retreating away from the flowers. She had always been cautious around bees, as the fear of being stung triggered her reflexes, making her wary in nature.
• At the doctor's office, when the nurse prepared the needle, Lisa flinched, her palms sweating at the thought of the injection. Despite knowing it was necessary, her fear of needles took hold, causing her to instinctively pull away just as the nurse approached.