recoil

/ˈɹiːkɔɪl/ · noun

Meaning

A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
The state or condition of having recoiled.
The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle.
An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
To retreat before an opponent.
To retire, withdraw.
(of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired

No prose etymology has been added yet.

No ancestor words have been linked yet.

No descendant words have been linked yet.