recoil
noun/ˈriːkɔɪl/
/ˈriːkɔɪl/
[uncountable, singular]- a sudden movement backwards, especially of a gun when it is fired
- The recoil was so violent it almost tore the weapon from his grasp.
Word OriginMiddle English (denoting the act of retreating): from Old French reculer ‘move back’, based on Latin culus ‘buttocks’.Want to learn more?
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recoil