recoil

Definitions

1. A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
   countable, uncountable
2. reaction
3. The state or condition of having recoiled.
   countable, uncountable
4. 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.
   countable, uncountable
5. reactionary political faction or movement
6. An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“the recoil of nature, or of the blood”

“The recoil from formalism is skepticism.”

CEFR level