Definition of flinch

The origin of the word "flinch" can be traced back to the Old English word "flyncan," which means "to shiver" or "to shrink." This Old English word, in turn, is derived from the Old Frisian word "flinkan," which also means "to shrink" or "to flinch." The word "flinch" in its current form was first recorded in the 14th century, with the Middle English spelling of "flynke" meaning "to twitch or shiver" as well as "to withdraw or draw back from a blow." The use of "flinch" to mean "to shrink or recoil from a perceived danger or threat" first appeared in the 16th century, with the meaning consistent with its original connotation of "fear and withdrawal." The use of "flinch" as a verb meaning "to avoid or shy away from something" has evolved over time, reflecting its original connotations of fear and incapacity to face a threat. Today, it is commonly used in various contexts, such as in sports to describe a player's tendency to duck or move away from a ball hitting a racket or bat, or in martial arts to describe an unchanged posture when expecting contact. Overall, "flinch" is a word with a rich history, evolving from its humble origins in Old English to its current usage as a verb denoting avoidance and fear.