flinch /flɪntʃ/ (also flinch away) verb [intransitive]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: flenchir 'to turn aside']

1. to move your face or body away from someone or something because you are in pain, frightened, or upset
flinch at
She flinched at the touch of his hand.
flinch from
The boy flinched away from him.

2. to feel embarrassed or upset
flinch at
Jo flinched at her sister’s insensitivity.

3. not flinch from (doing) something to be willing to do something even though it is difficult or unpleasant:
He never flinched from doing his duty.
⇒ unflinching

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲