Recoil at the sight Meaning in English

expression

US

ree-KOYL at thuh SYTE

UK

REE-koyl at thuh SYTE

Definition

To physically pull back or react with fear, disgust, or surprise when you see something.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is slightly formal or descriptive, often used in stories, articles, or when emphasizing a strong negative reaction to something seen (like blood, insects, or something shocking). You can 'recoil at the sight of' specific things; it's not used for mild surprise. Distinct from just 'being surprised' or 'startled'—it suggests a physical move away.

• Spanish: encogerse al ver - retroceder al ver
• Portuguese (BR): recuar ao ver - encolher-se ao ver
• Portuguese (PT): recuar ao ver - encolher-se ao ver
• Chinese (Simplified): 一看到就退缩 - 一看到就畏缩
• Chinese (Traditional): 一看到就退縮 - 一看到就畏縮
• Hindi: देखते ही पीछे हटना
• Arabic: يَرتد عند رؤية
• Bengali: দেখামাত্র পিছিয়ে যাওয়া
• Russian: отшатнуться при виде
• Japanese: 見て思わず身を引く
• Vietnamese: nhún nhảy khi nhìn thấy
• Korean: 보자마자 움찔하다
• Turkish: görünce irkilmek
• Urdu: دیکھتے ہی پیچھے ہٹ جانا
• Indonesian: mundur begitu melihat

Example Sentences

Many people recoil at the sight of snakes.

basic

Children may recoil at the sight of blood.

basic

Some people recoil at the sight of spiders, even if they are harmless.

basic

I can't help but recoil at the sight of moldy food in the fridge.

natural

She recoiled at the sight of the horror movie scene, covering her eyes instantly.

natural

Even the toughest guy can recoil at the sight of something truly disgusting.

natural