recoil

/ˈɹiːkɔɪl/ noun C1

A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking. (countable, uncountable) · the recoil of nature, or of the blood
The state or condition of having recoiled. (countable, uncountable)
The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle. (countable, uncountable)
An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly. (countable, uncountable)

Plural recoils

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From the library

Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, p. 67 · B2

Other matches

recoil To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or ... C2

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