Recoils

The verb 'recoils' describes the sudden, involuntary movement of an animal or person, often in reaction to something frightening, painful, or unpleasant. It signifies a flinching or drawing back, either physically or emotionally. It can also refer to something, like a weapon, springing back after being fired. The recoil action usually suggests a withdrawal from a perceived threat or negative experience. This movement can be a natural, instinctive response, aimed at self-preservation or defense, or it could represent a change in opinion or behavior due to distaste or disbelief. The degree of recoil can range from a subtle flinch to a violent, abrupt movement, and the cause from physical pain to emotional distress.

Recoils meaning with examples

• When the snake lunged, Sarah recoiled in terror, leaping backward with a scream. Her unexpected reaction caused her to stumble, but thankfully, she was unharmed. Her involuntary retreat was a textbook example of the body's natural response to immediate danger, showcasing how ingrained the instinct to recoil is in humans.
• The politician recoiled from the accusations of corruption, immediately denying any involvement. He quickly issued a public statement to clarify the false allegations. His sudden withdrawal of any admission made his initial response suspect but reflected his eagerness to salvage his reputation amidst the onslaught of the scandal.
• The antique rifle's powerful recoil almost knocked him off balance when he fired. The gun, which had been loaded, forced him to adjust his stance slightly to maintain his footing. This surprising effect reminded him of the physical force involved in handling such a weapon, a sensation he respected.
• After tasting the spoiled milk, John recoiled in disgust, spitting it back into the carton and wrinkling his nose. He made a very vocal response of disgust, and he went to the sink to rinse out his mouth. He was surprised, as he was expecting something fresh.
• Upon hearing his friend’s insensitive remark, Mark recoiled emotionally, feeling hurt and betrayed. It took him a moment to process what was just said to him. His reaction made him reevaluate their friendship and led to a period of estrangement, reflecting the power of words to create distance.