Definition of recoil
- v. i. - To start, roll, bound, spring, or fall back; to take a
reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to return.
- v. i. - To draw back, as from anything repugnant, distressing,
alarming, or the like; to shrink.
- v. i. - To turn or go back; to withdraw one's self; to retire.
- v. t. - To draw or go back.
- n. - A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking; as, the
recoil of nature, or of the blood.
- n. - The state or condition of having recoiled.
- n. - Specifically, the reaction or rebounding of a firearm when
discharged.