Quail is a verb that means to falter or recoil in fear, essentially cowering. It is distinguished from similar words like 'flinch' and 'recoil' by its implication of shrinking from fear.
Quail is a verb meaning 'to give way' or 'to recoil in dread or terror,' essentially to cower. Synonyms like flinch, recoil, and wince have nuances, with quail implying shrinking in fear.
| Word | quail |
|---|---|
| Date | June 19, 2018 |
| Type | verb |
| Syllables | KWAIL |
| Etymology | Flinch, recoil, and wince are all synonyms of quail, but each word has a slightly different use. When you flinch, you fail to endure pain or to face something dangerous or frightening with resolution ("she faced her accusers without flinching"). Recoil implies a start or movement away from something through shock, fear, or disgust ("he recoiled at the suggestion of stealing"). Wince usually suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction to something ("she winced as the bright light suddenly hit her eyes"). Quail implies shrinking and cowering in fear ("he quailed before the apparition"). |
| Examples | "It wasn't so long ago that book publishers and bookstore owners were quailing about the coming of e-books, like movie theatre owners at the dawn of the television age." — Michael Hiltzik, The Gulf Times, 10 May 2017 "I've a Pooh in me, blundering about, trying to think large thoughts, making pronouncements I hope won't be challenged. And I'm sometimes a Piglet, quailing in front of imaginary dangers, or figuratively jumping up and down to squeak, 'I'm here! What about me?'" — Jim Atwell, The Cooperstown (New York) Crier, 15 June 2017 |
| Definition | 1 : to give way : falter 2 : to recoil in dread or terror : cower |
Tags: wordoftheday::verb
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