rɪˈkɔɪl v. & n. --v.intr. 1 suddenly
move or
spring back in
fear,
horror, or
disgust. 2
shrink mentally in
this way. 3 rebound
after an
impact. 4 (foll. by
on, upon)
have an
adverse reactive effect on (the originator). 5 (of a gun) be
driven backwards by
its discharge. 6
retreat under an enemy's
attack. 7
Physics (of an
atom etc.) move backwards by
the conservation of
momentum on
emission of a
particle. --n.
also 1 the
act or an
instance of recoiling. 2 the
sensation of recoiling. [ME f. OF reculer (as
RE-, L culus buttocks)]