Recoil
/ˈɹiːkɔɪl/
noun
A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
“the recoil of nature, or of the blood”
The state or condition of having recoiled.
The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle.
Synonyms: kick
verb
To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
“He recoiled in disgust when he saw the mess.”
To retreat before an opponent.
To retire, withdraw.