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re·coil
 recoil
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- parts of speech:
- intransitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Parts
| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| pronunciation: |
rih
koIl
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| inflections: |
recoils, recoiling, recoiled |
| definition 1: |
to draw or start back, as in disgust or horror.
- synonyms:
- shrink
- similar words:
- flinch, quail, react, retreat, shy, start, startle, wince, withdraw
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| definition 2: |
to move sharply in the opposite direction from an expended force, as a rifle moves against one's shoulder when fired.
- synonyms:
- kick
- similar words:
- bounce, jump, spring
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| definition 3: |
to cause damage by an unexpected return of negative effect.
The criticism recoiled against the critics.- synonyms:
- backfire
- similar words:
- backlash, boomerang, react, redound
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| related words: |
bounce, bridle, dread, kick, quail, rebel, retreat, spring, start, startle, withdraw |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| pronunciation: |
ri
koIl
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| definition 1: |
the movement that is an object's reaction to its own action, such as the kick of a firearm.
- synonyms:
- kick
- similar words:
- backlash, flinch, kickback, reaction
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| definition 2: |
the act or an instance of recoiling.
- synonyms:
- shy
- similar words:
- backlash, bounce, flinch, jump, reaction, spring
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| related words: |
bounce |
The word recoil
contains the following part:
re-
Latin
prefix
that means again; back or back again
  More about this word part:
The prefix re-
occurs in verbs that are Latin loanwords, where it can mean "again" (revise
) or "back again" (reflect
). It also attaches to English verbs (replay, rewind) with both meanings. Any verb can be prefixed by "re-
" to indicate that an action is repeated. No hyphen is necessary unless the word formed is identical to an existing word (re-sign the document, but resign
from a job).
Example words:
re-cover, react, reappear, rebuild, recall, recede, record, recover, reflect, reflection, remove, renew, repay, report, reporter, reservation, resign, resignation, respect, reverse, review, revise, revive, revolve, revolution, rebel
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