Indicates a hesitant or unwilling response when faced with something unpleasant or frightening. She blenched at the thought of speaking in front of the class.
Pro Tip 2/3
Physical Withdrawal
Involves a physical step back or movement away from something regarded as daunting or scary. The child blenched from the barking dog, clinging to his mother.
Pro Tip 3/3
Emotional Overtones
Carries emotional weight, suggesting fear or anxiety as the cause of the withdrawal. When challenged to a fight, he blenched, fear evident in his eyes.