
Blench
Reluctant Reaction
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.
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.
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.