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Past tense for to suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust
“He began to pull up his shirt, and the children would recoil in horror at the sight of his scars.”
Past tense for to feel fear, horror, or disgust at the thought of something
“Some may react with disgust at the idea, recoil at the thought of it, or simply say that it's too strong a word.”
Past tense for to retreat or withdraw from a (hostile) place or situation
“The smell of rotten chickens causes the invaders to recoil in disgust and allows them to escape.”
Past tense for to physically jerk or bounce off, especially in a backward motion
“He knew that I was too young and too small, and that the rifle would recoil and bruise or injure my shoulder.”
Past tense for to have an adverse result, especially one that is the opposite of that expected
“A dictated peace is not a true peace if punitive terms recoil on our own heads.”
Past tense for to cause a sound to carry and have an echo effect
Past tense for to fail to do something because of cowardice
Past tense for to make twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body
Past tense for to become excitedly upset or angry
Past tense for to move with a short, sudden movement
Past tense for to recur, or break out anew after a dormant period
Past tense for to move to face in another direction
Related Words and Phrases
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