2 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
- Kit recoiled, as much from his angry tone as from the repulsive words.p. 23.1
- As they crossed the clearing Kit recoiled at the objects that stood between her and the Meeting House; a pillory, a whipping post and stocks.p. 52.8
There are no more uses of "recoil" in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Typical Usage
(best examples)