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Flinch vs Flinchy - What's the difference?

flinch | flinchy |

As a noun flinch

is a reflexive jerking away.

As a verb flinch

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

As an adjective flinchy is

tending to flinch easily; timid, shy.

flinch

English

Noun

(es)
  • A reflexive jerking away.
    • My eye doctor hates the flinch I have every time he tries to get near my eyes.

    Verb

  • 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.

    • References

    flinchy

    English

    Adjective

    (head)
  • Tending to flinch easily; timid, shy.