recoil

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recoil" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as both a verb and a noun. Example sentence: She recoiled in horror as the creature lunged towards her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Air particles colliding with the hotspots heat up and shoot away from the surface, which causes the particle to recoil in the opposite direction.

The Guardian - Tech

This caps Merck's costs.The likeliest explanation for the wide-eyed panic in the markets is that Merck's investors are casting their eyes wider, and recoil from what they see.

The Economist

He may lack stature and sparkle, but many Frenchmen who recoil from the blustering Mr Le Pen may well, in the long run, be ready to give the more respectable face of the far right their vote.

The Economist

Public schools recoil from even the mildest religious imagery.

The Economist

Many people understandably recoil at such a prospect.

The Economist

But the unbridled populism that might be released is something that makes most e-government enthusiasts recoil.

The Economist

By then it made 41% of GE's profits.In this section Dynasties A time to heal Back to business The quiet revolution Don't recoil from the coil ReprintsNear-suicidal might be a better description.

The Economist

Mr Mazumdar and his colleague seem earnest and forthright in person, and recoil from their association with the groups who want to raise the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Economist

Europeans instinctively recoil from private companies making money from health care.

The Economist

Although it is not that accurate, with a kick on the recoil, a competent user can fire around 100 bullets a minute.

The Economist

Turkey has been among the hardest-hit of emerging markets since March 11th, when investors began to recoil from almost any asset class that looked risky.In Turkey investors might just have wanted to cash in the spectacular profits they had made from the start of 2006 until then.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recoil" to describe a reaction to something unpleasant, ensure that the subject's emotional or physical state clearly motivates the action.

Common error

Be careful not to use "recoil" interchangeably with words like "react" or "respond". "Recoil" specifically implies a sudden, often involuntary, movement or feeling away from something perceived as dangerous, offensive, or shocking. "React" and "respond" are broader terms.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recoil" is to describe a sudden movement or reaction away from something, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig's examples show how it's used to express reactions to shocking or offensive stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "recoil" is a versatile term, functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to describe a sudden physical or emotional withdrawal from something unpleasant or shocking. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing reactions to current events and societal issues. The examples show how "recoil" is used to express strong aversion or fear. While synonyms like "flinch" and "shrink back" offer alternatives, "recoil" carries a specific nuance of involuntary movement or feeling away from something deemed dangerous or offensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw back in disgust

Focuses on the physical or emotional act of moving away specifically due to disgust.

flinch

Indicates a sudden, involuntary reaction to fear or pain, a more immediate and less considered response.

shrink away

Emphasizes the act of becoming smaller or less visible, often due to fear or discomfort.

cringe

Implies a physical manifestation of embarrassment or discomfort, often involving a slight shrinking or bowing.

rebound

In the context of physics, refers to the action of bouncing back after an impact.

spring back

Suggests a quick and energetic return to a previous position or state.

backfire

Indicates an unintended negative consequence of an action.

reverberate

Refers to the echoing or continuing effect of an action or event.

kickback

Suggests a negative reaction or resistance to a policy or action.

funk

To be in a state of fear or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "recoil" in a sentence?

You can use "recoil" to describe a physical movement away from something, as in "She "recoiled" from the spider", or to describe a strong emotional reaction, such as "Many people "recoil" at the prospect of war".

What are some synonyms for "recoil"?

Some synonyms for "recoil" include "flinch", "shrink back", "draw back", and "wince". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "recoil" a verb or a noun?

"Recoil" can be both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to draw back or shrink away. As a noun, it refers to the act of recoiling or the backward movement of a gun when fired.

What is the difference between "recoil" and "retreat"?

"Recoil" implies a sudden, involuntary movement or feeling away from something unpleasant, while "retreat" suggests a more deliberate and strategic withdrawal from a situation or position.