Recoiling describes the act of suddenly flinching back in fear, pain, disgust, or surprise. It involves a rapid, involuntary movement away from something perceived as threatening or unpleasant. This can manifest physically, such as a body's withdrawal, or metaphorically, referring to a psychological response of aversion or rejection. The trigger can be anything from a physical blow to an offensive comment. It signifies an immediate reaction to a negative stimulus and implies a desire for distance or avoidance. The speed and force of the recoil vary depending on the intensity of the stimulus and the individual's response.
Recoiling meaning with examples
- Upon seeing the snake slither across the path, she recoiled in terror, stumbling backward and letting out a startled scream. Her immediate reaction was pure instinct, a desperate attempt to escape the perceived danger. The swift movement demonstrated her body's natural defense mechanism, protecting her from potential harm.
- He recoiled from the offer to join the company's project after the first initial presentation about their work with experimental procedures; it involved some controversial and potentially dangerous experimentation, and his conscience caused his sudden avoidance. His face registered disgust. He took a step back, considering his options.
- The audience recoiled from the shocking twist in the horror movie, gasping and covering their eyes. The graphic imagery caused a visible physical reaction, with many people cringing away from the screen, their bodies instinctively repulsed by what they had witnessed. This demonstrated the power of visual stimuli to evoke strong emotional responses.
- She recoiled at the suggestion, her tone sharp and filled with disbelief. It was a difficult subject, it made her very uncomfortable, so she took a breath and replied carefully. The quick expression of objection showed she was not going to budge. She needed some space to consider the matter.
- The dog recoiled from the loud gunshot, cowering and whimpering in the corner. The sound was unexpected and incredibly terrifying, and it was a very immediate response. It quickly curled up in fear and hid, illustrating the animal's instinctual response to danger and the urgent need to protect itself.