Definition of recoil

• v. i. - To start, roll, bound, spring, or fall back; to take a reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to return.
• v. i. - To draw back, as from anything repugnant, distressing, alarming, or the like; to shrink.
• v. i. - To turn or go back; to withdraw one's self; to retire.
• v. t. - To draw or go back.
• n. - A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking; as, the recoil of nature, or of the blood.
• n. - The state or condition of having recoiled.
• n. - Specifically, the reaction or rebounding of a firearm when discharged.