Recoil
WordNet
noun
(1) A movement back from an impact
(2) The backward jerk of a gun when it is fired
verb
(3) Spring back, as from a forceful thrust
"The gun kicked back into my shoulder"
(4) Spring back; spring away from an impact
"The rubber ball bounced"
"These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide"
(5) Draw back, as with fear or pain
"She flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf"
(6) Come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
"Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- The amount of energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle.
Verb
- To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
- He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess.