to draw back or shrink, as from what is dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant.

to shrink under pain; wince.

Croquet . to let the foot slip from the ball in the act of croqueting.

to draw back or withdraw from.

an act of flinching.

verb

confront , face , meet

verb

avoid , balk , blanch , blench , blink , cower , cringe , crouch , draw back , duck , elude , escape , eschew , evade , flee , quail , recede , recoil , retire , retreat , shirk , shrink , shun , start , swerve , withdraw , shy , wince , feign , quaver , shudder

noun

cringe , shrink , wince