Recoil (Verb)
Meaning 1
Spring back; spring away from an impact; "The rubber ball bounced"; "These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Draw back, as with fear or pain; "she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 3
Come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect; "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"; "the political movie backlashed on the Democrats".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The politician's harsh words on the sensitive issue will recoil on him during the upcoming elections.
- Their decision to lay off hundreds of employees may recoil if the backlash from the community becomes too intense.
- The mean joke I told during my speech might recoil and make people uncomfortable around me.
- The new policy could recoil on the government if it sparks widespread protests and resentment.
- The CEO's attempt to spin the controversy may recoil if the media discovers the truth behind the statement.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 4
Spring back, as from a forceful thrust; "The gun kicked back into my shoulder".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.