Want to say recoil differently? Here are other words for recoil and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of recoil
The primary meaning of the word "recoil" is to pull back or move away suddenly, often in response to something unpleasant or shocking.
Etymology of recoil
The word "recoil" originates from the Old French word "reculer", which means "to pull back" or "to draw back"
This Old French word is derived from the Latin words "re" (meaning "back" or "again") and "culare" (meaning "to move" or "to stir")
The word "recoil" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of pulling back or moving away, often in response to something unpleasant or shocking
Synonyms
withdraw
retreat
pull back
draw back
flinch
shrink
quail
cower
cringe
recoil
jerk
jolt
start
leap
bound
spring
react
respond
pull away
move away
step back
back away
back off
draw away
shrink away
give back
fall back
move back
shift back
slip back
slide back
ebb
give ground
lose ground
yield
surrender
relinquish
abandon
desert
forsake
leave
depart
quit
backpedal
reverse
turn back
double back
about-face
beat a retreat
fall behind
lag behind
drop back
lose momentum
slow down
slacken
flag
wane
diminish
decrease
abate
subside
let up
ease off
slack off
Definitions
- To pull back or move away suddenly, often in response to something unpleasant or shocking
- * To spring or jump back, often in response to a sudden impact or shock
- * To draw back or withdraw, often in response to a difficulty or challenge
Usage Examples
- The soldier recoiled in horror at the sight of the wounded civilian
- * She recoiled from the snake, afraid of being bitten
- * The company recoiled from the idea of investing in a risky venture
Antonyms
advance
approach
move forward
step forward
come forward
lean forward
push forward
thrust forward
lunge forward
surge forward
rush forward
hasten
hurry
speed
quicken
accelerate
gain ground
make headway
progress
proceed
continue
persevere
press on
push on
strive
struggle
drive
force
thrust
propel
launch
initiate
begin
start
commence
inaugurate
usher
precede
lead
guide
direct