recoil from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recoil from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe withdrawing from something in fear, revulsion, or apprehension. For example: She recoiled from the spider in terror.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We recoil from death.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even adults recoil from contemplating it.

The New York Times - Books

I recoil from mirrors under fluorescent tubes.

The New York Times

But he might recoil from that idea.

The Guardian

We recoil from nonviolence at our peril.

The New York Times

Most people, faced with real catastrophe, recoil from the brink.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can her recoil from its allure be like his?

The New York Times - Books

Some even recoil from the word "outsourcing" itself.

The Economist

But the news media recoil from populist appeals.

The New York Times

Every gesture she makes is a recoil from something.

The Guardian

Public schools recoil from even the mildest religious imagery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recoil from" to convey a strong sense of aversion or disgust towards something. It suggests a visceral, often involuntary, reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "recoil from" when a milder term like "dislike" or "avoid" would be more appropriate. "Recoil from" indicates a significant negative reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recoil from" functions as a phrasal verb expressing a strong, often involuntary, negative reaction to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, indicating a widespread understanding of its meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recoil from" is a phrasal verb used to express a strong feeling of aversion, fear, or disgust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in English, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "shy away from" or "shrink from" exist, "recoil from" conveys a more visceral and immediate reaction. When using the phrase, remember to ensure that the level of aversion matches the intensity of the phrase to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrink from

Suggests a physical or emotional withdrawal due to fear or distaste; similar in intensity to "recoil from".

flinch from

Describes a sudden, involuntary movement in response to something unpleasant or startling; focuses on the immediate reaction.

shy away from

Implies a hesitant avoidance, often due to a lack of confidence or discomfort; less forceful than "recoil from".

cringe at

Describes a physical manifestation of disgust or embarrassment; can be used similarly to "recoil from" in certain contexts.

draw back from

Indicates a physical movement away from something, often out of surprise or caution; less about emotional reaction.

hold back from

Suggests a conscious effort to restrain oneself; implies a degree of control not necessarily present in "recoil from".

abstain from

Implies a deliberate choice to refrain from something, often for moral or health reasons; less reactive than "recoil from".

eschew

Means to deliberately avoid or abstain from something; more formal and less reactive than "recoil from".

desist from

Formally indicates ceasing or refraining from an action; less emotional and more about stopping an activity.

demur from

Expresses disagreement or objection, often politely; focuses on a difference in opinion rather than a visceral reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "recoil from" in a sentence?

The phrase "recoil from" is used to express a strong feeling of dislike, fear, or disgust that causes someone to move away or avoid something. For example, "Many people "recoil from" the idea of eating insects".

What are some alternatives to "recoil from"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "shy away from", "shrink from", or "draw back from" as alternatives to "recoil from".

Is it correct to say "recoil at" instead of "recoil from"?

While "recoil at" might be used colloquially, "recoil from" is the more standard and grammatically correct preposition to use when expressing a strong aversion or withdrawal.

What's the nuance between "recoil from" and "hesitate to"?

"Recoil from" suggests a stronger, more visceral reaction of disgust or fear, while "hesitate to" implies uncertainty or reluctance. "They "recoil from" violence" suggests a deep aversion, whereas "They hesitate to act" suggests a more cautious approach.