Flinch vs Cowering - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between flinch and cowering

is that flinch is to make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus while cowering is .

is a reflexive jerking away.

(es)

A reflexive jerking away.

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

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

* John Locke

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

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

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

(head)