recoil
verb (used without object)
to draw back; start or shrink back, as in alarm, horror, or disgust.
recoils
-
present tense formof recoil (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Half a century later, Jiang is still the reason the Communist Party recoils at any hint of a leader’s spouse wielding power.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
He practices a politics of inspiration, and the Surge recoils at politicians who try to inspire us.
From Slate ● Apr. 5, 2025
As someone who recoils at the mere thought of candied peel or maraschino cherries, I too have reflexively avoided fruitcake for most of my life.
From Salon ● Dec. 17, 2023
Then, he recoils in disgust, a flyout that could have helped the Cubs reach the World Series infamously bouncing off the arms of Steve Bartman instead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2023
Brother Khoi recoils, vowing to never eat anything with wings.
From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai
