What does recoiled mean?
To recoil is to pull back suddenly, usually because something has produced fear, disgust, surprise, or intense discomfort. The movement can be physical, as when a person jerks away from a threatening animal, but it is also commonly figurative, describing a person's refusal to approach or participate in something distasteful. A person may recoil from a proposal, recoil at a cruel image, or recoil in alarm. The word often suggests a response that is immediate and instinctive rather than a considered decision, which gives it a vivid sense of instinctive aversion. Its standard past tense and past participle is “recoiled.” Although “recoil” can also be a noun referring to a backward movement, the physical sense of the verb is far more common in modern usage.
verbTo pull back or move away suddenly in response to fear, disgust, surprise, or an unpleasant physical sensation.
- To move back suddenly or draw back in fear, disgust, or surprise.
- To pull away or withdraw from something with distaste or reluctance.
"She recoiled from the thought of touching the slimy creature."
"The child recoiled when the dog suddenly lunged toward him."
"Even experienced diplomats recoiled at the proposal's implications."
A recoil is the body's quickest answer to a threat: before fear becomes a decision, the body may already be pulling away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recoiled come from?
The verb comes through Middle English from Old French reculer, meaning “to retreat.” Old French reculer was borrowed from Latin recedere, formed from re-, meaning “back,” and cedere, meaning “to go or yield.” The same Latin root underlies cognates including recede, recess, cede, and precedent.
Related word forms
How recoiled is actually used
Usually implies a rapid, involuntary or instinctive withdrawal, although it can also describe a deliberate retreat from an unpleasant situation. It is often used figuratively for strong emotional or moral aversion.
Easily confused with recoiled
“Recoiled” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “recoil,” whereas “recoil” can also be a noun meaning a sudden backward movement or a physical kickback.