Wince

Wince (verb) refers to a slight, involuntary movement or reaction that expresses discomfort, pain, or embarrassment in response to a stimulus. This reaction typically involves flinching or drawing back from something that is perceived as painful or disagreeable. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a reaction to an awkward or cringeworthy situation. The origin of the word 'wince' dates back to Middle English and can be traced to the Old English 'wincian,' meaning to blink or shut the eyes.

Wince meaning with examples

• As she watched the horror movie, Jessica couldn’t help but Wince at the graphic scenes, instinctively covering her eyes during the most gruesome parts. She was not usually squeamish, but the film’s intensity made her more sensitive than ever to the on-screen violence.
• When the dentist accidentally touched a sensitive nerve, Michael couldn't control his reaction; he winced in unexpected agony, prompting the dentist to quickly apologize and adjust his approach to make the procedure more comfortable.
• During the presentation, the speaker mentioned a regrettable mistake he had made in the past, and the audience collectively winced, recalling their own embarrassing moments that resonated with the story. His honesty, however, won them over.
• Seeing her friend slip and fall on the ice, Emily could only watch in horror, wincing at the sight of her friend hitting the ground hard and cringing at the idea of the potential pain that might follow.
• When the coach made a harsh comment during practice, several players winced, their faces reflecting a mixture of surprise and discomfort as they processed the criticism in both embarrassment and motivation.