flinch

Etymology 1

From Middle French flenchir (“to bend”), of Germanic origin. Compare Middle High German lenken (“to bend”). Attested in English since the 16th century.

noun

1. A reflexive jerking away.
   My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes.
2. (croquet) 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.
2. To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
3. (croquet) To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Etymology 2

verb

1. Alternative form of flense