recoil

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired
  2. noun a movement back from an impact
  3. verb draw back, as with fear or pain

Etymology

From Old French reculer. Further from Latin re- + cūlus.

In classic literature

Synonyms

kick

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