Re‐coil″ (rē̍‐koil″), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Recoiled (–koild″); p. pr. & vb. n.Recoiling.] [OE. recoilen, F. reculer, fr. L. pref. re- re- + culus the fundament. The English word was perhaps influenced in form by accoil.]
1. To start, roll, bound, spring, or fall back; to take a reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to return.
Evil on itself shall back recoil. Milton.
The solemnity of her demeanor made it impossible... that we should recoil into our ordinary spirits. De Quincey.
2. To draw back, as from anything repugnant, distressing, alarming, or the like; to shrink. Shak.
3. To turn or go back; to withdraw one's self; to retire. “To your bowers recoil.” Spenser.