Definition of 'recoil'

Noun

1. the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired
      Synonyms: kick
2. a movement back from an impact
      Synonyms: repercussion rebound backlash

Verb

1. draw back, as with fear or pain; "she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf"
      Synonyms: flinch squinch funk cringe shrink wince quail
2. come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect; "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"
      Synonyms: backfire backlash
3. spring back; spring away from an impact; "The rubber ball bounced"; "These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide"
      Synonyms: bounce resile take a hop spring bound rebound reverberate ricochet
4. spring back, as from a forceful thrust; "The gun kicked back into my shoulder"
      Synonyms: kick back kick

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