flinch/flɪntʃ; flɪntʃ/ v [I] 1 to make a sudden small backward movement because you are afraid, hurt or shocked 〔因害怕、受伤或吃惊而〕畏缩，退缩: He raised his hand, and the child flinched. 他举起手，那个孩子便退缩了。 2 to avoid doing something because it is unpleasant 〔因令人不快而〕回避: + from She never flinches from the truth, no matter how painful. 无论多么痛苦，她都不会回避事实。