RECOIL, SHRINK, FLINCH, WINCE, BLENCH, QUAIL

RECOIL, SHRINK, FLINCH, WINCE, BLENCH, QUAIL mean to draw back in fear or distaste.

RECOIL implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust *recoiled at the suggestion of stealing*.

SHRINK suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice *shrank from the unpleasant truth*.

FLINCH implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution *faced her accusers without flinching*.

WINCE suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) *winced in pain*.

BLENCH implies fainthearted flinching *stood their ground without blenching*.

QUAIL suggests shrinking and cowering in fear *quailed before the apparition*.

pain:wince=fear:flinch=horror:recoil
recoil~~advance boldly
wince:pain=pout:displeasure=recoil:horror=smile:pleasure


abate:force=attenuate:thickness=shrink:size
shrink:size=taper:width


quail~~become resolute