flinch

Meanings

1. A reflexive jerking away.
2. The slipping of the foot from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

1. To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe; to blench.
2. To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
3. To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

1. Alternative form of flense.

Etymology

From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.