Pronunciation: [flˈɪnt͡ʃt] (IPA) 
The word "flinched" is spelled with six letters and pronounced /flɪntʃt/. It is derived from the Old French word "flenchir" meaning to wince or shrink, which is why the "ch" in the middle is pronounced softly like "sh". The "ed" at the end is added to indicate the past tense. This word is commonly used to describe a sudden, involuntary movement of the body in response to fear or pain.
Flinched is a verb that refers to a sudden movement or involuntary reaction typically caused by fear, surprise, or pain. It involves a quick, instinctive jerk or withdrawal of the body or a part of it in response to an unexpected or unfavorable stimulus. This reactive movement is often characterized by a sudden tensing or recoiling of the muscles.
When someone flinches, they display a reflexive response to a sudden threat or startling situation. The stimulus may be physical, such as a loud noise or a sudden movement, or it can be emotional, like a frightening or unsettling situation. Flinching is often accompanied by a brief feeling of apprehension or uneasiness and is an involuntary attempt to protect oneself or minimize potential harm.
Flinching is a universal human response that signifies a primitive instinct of self-preservation. It is an automatic reaction that can occur consciously or unconsciously, as individuals try to shield themselves from anticipated danger or discomfort. This protective mechanism can manifest through various physical gestures, including jerking back, closing one's eyes, or shrinking away from the perceived threat.
Overall, flinching is a reflexive action that plays an essential role in human survival, alerting us to potential danger and preparing us for fight or flight responses.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "flinched" originated in the 17th century and comes from the Middle English word "flenchen", which in turn derived from the Old French word "flenchir". This Old French term meant to bend or turn aside, and it ultimately had its roots in the Frankish language. Over time, "flenchen" developed into "flinchen", and then finally evolved to its present-day form "flinched". The word "flinch" refers to a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction in response to pain, fear, or surprise.
