How Do You Spell FLINCH?

Pronunciation: [flˈɪnt͡ʃ] (IPA)

Flinch is spelled with six letters and pronounced /flɪntʃ/. The word is often used to describe a sudden movement or reaction of fear or pain. The spelling of flinch is derived from its Middle English origin, flenshen which meant to twitch or wince. Due to its frequent use in literature and everyday speech, the word flinch is one that is easily recognized and understood by native English speakers. Whether it is used in a response to a surprise or a sudden reaction to a painful sensation, the spelling and pronunciation of flinch remain consistent.

FLINCH Meaning and Definition

  1. Flinch is a verb, characterized by a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction in response to a distressing or painful situation, anticipating an impending danger, or out of fear. It typically involves wincing, recoiling, or twitching. The notion of flinching implies an instinctive protective reflex of the body, seeking to shield itself from potential harm or discomfort.

    The action of flinching is often accompanied by a variety of physical manifestations, such as the tightening of facial muscles, cringing, blinking, or jerking back. It can be triggered by various stimuli, including physical pain, loud noises, sudden movements, or a threatening gesture. Since flinching is an automatic, often unconscious response, it usually occurs without conscious thought or volition.

    Metaphorically, flinching can also describe an emotional reaction to a distressing situation or the prospect of adversity. It signifies hesitancy, a momentary lack of confidence, or a retreat from a difficult situation. In this sense, flinching can be viewed as a form of self-protective behavior, seeking to distance oneself from potential harm, conflict, or unpleasantness.

    Overall, flinching embodies the natural, involuntary response of the body and mind to perceived danger or discomfort. It serves as a preemptive measure to shield oneself or withdraw in order to mitigate or avoid harm, whether physical or emotional.

  2. To shrink or draw back, as from pain, suffering, danger, or duty; to fail.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FLINCH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FLINCH

Etymology of FLINCH

The word flinch originated from the Middle English word flenc(h)en, which can be traced back to the Old French word flenchir, meaning to bend or turn aside. This Old French term was derived from the Frankish word hlinsjan, meaning to bend, which was also related to the Old High German word hlinsen. Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic root word behind flinch is thought to be hlinsanan, which means to yield or give way.

Idioms with the word FLINCH

  • flinch from sm or sth The idiom "flinch from someone or something" means to hesitate or shy away from facing or confronting someone or something that may cause discomfort, fear, or unpleasantness. It implies a reluctance to deal with or engage in a certain situation or person, often due to fear, anxiety, or aversion.
  • flinch from someone or something The idiom "flinch from someone or something" means to recoil, hesitate, or show reluctance in facing or dealing with a person or situation. It implies a lack of courage or fear in confronting someone or something.
  • flinch from The idiom "flinch from" means to hesitate or recoil from (doing something) due to fear, reluctance, or aversion. It implies a sense of backing away or shying away from a particular action or situation.

Similar spelling words for FLINCH

Plural form of FLINCH is FLINCHES

Conjugate verb Flinch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have flinched
you would have flinched
he/she/it would have flinched
we would have flinched
they would have flinched
I would have flinch
you would have flinch
he/she/it would have flinch
we would have flinch
they would have flinch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been flinching
you would have been flinching
he/she/it would have been flinching
we would have been flinching
they would have been flinching

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would flinch
you would flinch
he/she/it would flinch
we would flinch
they would flinch

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be flinching
you would be flinching
he/she/it would be flinching
we would be flinching
they would be flinching

FUTURE

I will flinch
you will flinch
he/she/it will flinch
we will flinch
they will flinch

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be flinching
you will be flinching
he/she/it will be flinching
we will be flinching
they will be flinching

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have flinched
you will have flinched
he/she/it will have flinched
we will have flinched
they will have flinched

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been flinching
you will have been flinching
he/she/it will have been flinching
we will have been flinching
they will have been flinching

IMPERATIVE

you flinch
we let´s flinch

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to flinch

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was flinching
you were flinching
he/she/it was flinching
we were flinching
they were flinching

PAST PARTICIPLE

flinched

PAST PERFECT

I had flinched
you had flinched
he/she/it had flinched
we had flinched
they had flinched

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been flinching
you had been flinching
he/she/it had been flinching
we had been flinching
they had been flinching

PRESENT

I flinch
you flinch
he/she/it flinches
we flinch
they flinch

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am flinching
you are flinching
he/she/it is flinching
we are flinching
they are flinching

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

flinching

PRESENT PERFECT

I have flinched
you have flinched
he/she/it has flinched
we have flinched
they have flinched

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been flinching
you have been flinching
he/she/it has been flinching
we have been flinching
they have been flinching

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it flinch

SIMPLE PAST

I flinched
you flinched
he/she/it flinched
we flinched
they flinched

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