flinch

USAGE SUMMARY

"flinch" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used as a verb (which means to shrink back suddenly in fear, pain, or surprise) in the context of a physical or emotional reaction. Example sentence: The patient flinched as the doctor injected the vaccine into her arm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Margot James, Conservative MP for Stourbridge: "I believe my party should never flinch from the requirement that we must continue this progression, otherwise we may end up like the Republican party who lost an election last year that they could have won were it not for their socially conservative agenda.

The Guardian

Arsenal are a weightier proposition and the biggest positive that they took from their latest Champions League last-16 exit was that they did not flinch or stop fighting.

The Guardian - Sport

I flinch at the words "throw out" which suggest Sam is some bag of rubbish I want to dispose of.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I didn't flinch on the roundabouts in the wet.

The Guardian - Sport

I even flinch when a man hugs or kisses me in a nonsexual way, and it unnerves me for days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People flinch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today, with greater protection, there seems to be more of a propensity for batsmen to flinch and turn their backs on anything nasty.

The Economist

Mr Bennett and his allies would flinch from opposing a policy endorsed by a majority of Israelis.

The Economist

Charlie saw his face flinch, just for a second.

The Economist

He did not flinch at the presence of Sviatoslav Richter and other giants on the jury.

The Economist

Hours after the quarry massacre Mr Kenyatta said that "we will not flinch in this war against terrorists" and replaced his embattled interior minister and police chief.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flinch" to vividly describe a sudden, involuntary reaction to something startling, painful, or threatening. It adds a layer of immediacy and emotional impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flinch" to describe a planned or intentional movement. "Flinch" implies a reflexive response, not a conscious decision to move.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flinch" is as an intransitive verb, describing a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a physical or emotional reaction, such as recoiling from pain or fear. Examples show its use in describing both literal physical reactions and metaphorical emotional reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "flinch" is a versatile verb used to describe a sudden, involuntary reaction, usually to something unpleasant or startling. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for describing both physical and emotional responses. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears often in "News & Media", conveying immediacy and vulnerability. When writing, remember that "flinch" describes reflexive actions, not deliberate ones. Consider alternatives like "recoil" or "wince" for nuanced descriptions. Ultimately, mastering the use of "flinch" can enhance the vividness and emotional depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recoil

This alternative emphasizes a movement backward, often due to fear or disgust.

wince

This term specifically suggests a facial expression indicating pain or discomfort.

shrink back

Emphasizes the physical action of becoming smaller or drawing inward.

cringe

Implies a more pronounced physical reaction, often combined with embarrassment or disgust.

recoil in horror

Adds the element of intense fear or shock to the reaction.

quail

Indicates a feeling or showing fear or apprehension.

draw back

A more general term for moving away from something, which may not always imply a negative stimulus.

shy away

Suggests avoiding something due to reluctance or unease.

hesitate

Highlights a pause or delay in action, potentially due to uncertainty or fear.

dodge

This suggests avoiding something, often an unpleasant task or a question.

FAQs

How can I use "flinch" in a sentence?

You can use "flinch" to describe a physical or emotional reaction to something unpleasant, for example, "He "flinched" at the loud noise" or "She "flinched" from the harsh criticism".

What words are similar to "flinch"?

Words like "wince", "recoil", and "cringe" share a similar meaning with "flinch", suggesting a sudden reaction to something unpleasant.

Is it correct to say someone "flinched away"?

While grammatically sound, it's more common and concise to simply say someone ""flinched"". The addition of "away" can be redundant.

What does it mean when someone doesn't "flinch"?

When someone doesn't "flinch", it implies they remained steadfast or didn't back down in the face of adversity or danger. It suggests courage and resilience.