recoil
IPA: rikˈɔɪɫ
noun
- A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
- The state or condition of having recoiled.
- (firearms) 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
- (intransitive) To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
- (intransitive, now rare) To retreat before an opponent.
- (obsolete, intransitive) To retire, withdraw.
- (of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired
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Examples of "recoil" in Sentences
- I could feel the recoil of the gun as I fired at the target
- The sudden loud noise made her recoil in surprise
- The mere thought of jumping out of a plane made him recoil in fear
- The force of the impact made the car recoil backwards
- The harsh criticism caused her to recoil and retreat into herself
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