Winced

To wince is to make a slight grimace or involuntary facial expression of pain, distress, or disgust. It's a reflexive action, a flinch, often accompanied by a brief intake of breath. The movement suggests a sudden, momentary physical or emotional discomfort. Winces can be triggered by physical sensations like a sudden injury or a bright light, or by psychological stimuli like hearing a harsh word or witnessing a painful event. The action provides an immediate physical signal of an unpleasant experience.

Winced meaning with examples

• He winced as the dentist inserted the needle, his face twisting into a brief grimace. The pain of the injection was sharp and unexpected. The involuntary reaction showed his initial discomfort. Despite his attempt to appear brave, the winced exposed his vulnerability and fear.
• She winced when her brother told the embarrassing story, the memory of it still making her cringe. The laughter from the onlookers just added to her mortification. This involuntary facial expression displayed her shame. It communicated her discomfort and wish to disappear.
• The injured athlete winced after attempting to stand, realizing the pain in his ankle was more severe than he had initially thought. His body language clearly spoke of pain. This contraction told his coaches to call the medical team. The grimace was visible.
• I winced upon reading the news, hearing the grim details of the accident. The descriptions brought a physical reaction to the emotional distress of the report. The winced showed my empathetic connection to the situation. My flinch showed the seriousness of the event.