flinch

noun

1. A reflexive jerking away.

   “My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes.”

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

verb

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

   “A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining.”

2. To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
3. To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.
4. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of flense.