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Flinch vs Gasp - What's the difference?

flinch | gasp |

As nouns the difference between flinch and gasp

is that flinch is a reflexive jerking away while gasp is a short, sudden intake of breath.

As verbs the difference between flinch and gasp

is that flinch is to make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus while gasp is to draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.

As an interjection gasp is

The sound of a gasp.

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

    gasp

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A short, sudden intake of breath.
  • The audience gave a gasp of astonishment
  • (British, slang): A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).
  • I'm popping out for a gasp .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.
  • The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.
  • To breathe laboriously or convulsively.
  • We were all gasping when we reached the summit.
  • * Lloyd
  • She gasps and struggles hard for life.
  • To speak in a breathless manner.
  • The old man gasped his last few words.
  • To pant with eagerness; to show vehement desire.
  • I'm gasping for a cup of tea.
  • * Spenser
  • Quenching the gasping furrows' thirst with rain.

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (humorous)
  • Gasp ! What will happen next?

    References

    Anagrams

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