recoil

From WikiWord, the free dictionary

/ˈɹiːkɔɪl/ English

Definitions

noun

A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.“the recoil of nature, or of the blood”
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.

verb

To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.“He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess.”
To retreat before an opponent.
To retire, withdraw.
(of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired

Related words

Synonyms

kick backlash rebound shrink kick back bounce repercussion bound quail cringe flinch wince spring ricochet squinch funk

Associated

recuperator reducer blowback rearward breech muzzle barrel chambered cartridge lug bolt buffers

Rhymes

turmoil coil foil soil spoil snake oil oil gargoyle roil embroil

References