flinch🔊

A reflexive jerking away.

(croquet) The slipping of the foot from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe.

To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty

(croquet) To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.