To crouch or cringe, or to avoid or shy away from something, in fear.
To cause to cower; to frighten into submission.
To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
To quickly push back when fired
A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
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.
An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
The state or condition of having recoiled.