recoil
Meanings
Noun
- A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
- The state or condition of having recoiled.
- The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle.
- An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
Verb
- To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
- To retreat before an opponent.
- To retire, withdraw.
- To quickly push back when fired
Related
Similar words
Origin
- From Old French reculer.
Modern English dictionary
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