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wince

English → EnglishcasualInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "wince": To wince is to make a slight, involuntary shrinking movement of the body, usually because of pain, d

What does "wince" mean?

To wince is to make a slight, involuntary shrinking movement of the body, usually because of pain, distress, or embarrassment. Imagine the physical reaction of pulling your shoulders up and squinting your eyes the moment you stub your toe or remember something cringeworthy you said years ago. It is commonly used to describe both physical pain and psychological discomfort. You might wince at the sound of nails on a chalkboard, or wince when someone brings up a painful memory in conversation. It implies an immediate, visceral reaction that you cannot fully control.

"wince" in conversation

Stubbing a toe

Ouch! I just caught my toe on the table leg.

Ouch! I just caught my toe on the table leg.

I saw you wince from across the room, are you okay?

I saw you wince from across the room, are you okay?

Used to describe a physical reaction to sudden pain.

Remembering an awkward moment

I still wince every time I think about that speech I gave in high school.

I still wince every time I think about that speech I gave in high school.

We all have those moments, don't worry about it!

We all have those moments, don't worry about it!

Used to describe a mental reaction to embarrassment.

"wince" in a sentence

  1. She winced as the doctor cleaned the cut.

    She winced as the doctor cleaned the cut.

  2. I winced when I heard the harsh criticism of his work.

    I winced when I heard the harsh criticism of his work.

  3. The mere suggestion of a tax increase caused the audience to wince collectively.

    The mere suggestion of a tax increase caused the audience to wince collectively.

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