10 uses
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Definition
to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively)
especially:
- the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired
- when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain
- when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust
- when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
- 'You don't mean to say that's the boy who had the fever, I hope?' said Mr. Grimwig, recoiling a little more.Chapter 14 — Comprising Further Particulars of Oliver's Stay at Mr.... (55% in)
- 'What for?' asked Oliver, recoiling.Chapter 20 — Wherein Oliver is Delivered Over to Mr. William Sikes (43% in)
- 'Hah!' cried the man, fixing his eyes on Oliver, and suddenly recoiling.Chapter 33 — Wherein the Happiness of Oliver and His Friends, Experiences.... (59% in)
- 'Twelve miles down the river, and cut to pieces besides,' replied Bumble, recoiling at the thought.Chapter 38 — Containing an Account of What Passed Between Mr. and Mrs.... (88% in)
- 'Yes,' said Rose, recoiling a few steps, as if to be nearer assistance in case she should require it.Chapter 40 — A Strange Interview, Which is a Sequel to the Last Chamber (18% in)
- Disturbed by these different reflections; inclining now to one course and then to another, and again recoiling from all, as each successive consideration presented itself to her mind; Rose passed a sleepless and anxious night.Chapter 41 — Containing Fresh Discoveries, and Showing that Surprises.... (11% in)
- Her fears for Sikes would have been more powerful inducements to recoil while there was yet time; but she had stipulated that her secret should be rigidly kept, she had dropped no clue which could lead to his discovery, she had refused, even for his sake, a refuge from all the guilt and wretchedness that encompasses her—and what more could she do!Chapter 44 — The Time Arrives for Nancy to Redeem Her Pledge to Rose.... (9% in)
- But perhaps she would recoil from a plot to take the life of Sikes, and that was one of the chief ends to be attained.Chapter 44 — The Time Arrives for Nancy to Redeem Her Pledge to Rose.... (92% in)
- 'Fagin,' cried the girl, recoiling.Chapter 46 — The Appointment Kept (51% in)
- Now, he started up, every minute, and with gasping mouth and burning skin, hurried to and fro, in such a paroxysm of fear and wrath that even they—used to such sights—recoiled from him with horror.Chapter 52 — Fagin's Last Night Alive (54% in)
There are no more uses of "recoil" in Oliver Twist.
Typical Usage
(best examples)