flinch / recoile

[Mnemon]

Hello,

What's the difference between the two? (flinch/ recoil)

- Why do you recoil/flinch? I'm no thief!

Do they both work for you in the above sentence?

flinch
(flĭnch)intr.v. flinched, flinch·ing, flinch·es
1. To start or wince involuntarily, as from surprise or pain.
2. To recoil, as from something unpleasant or difficult; shrink.

 

[tedmc]

I would use flinch. I think recoil is used with a greater reaction and also with objects, which flinch isn't

 

[Jemima23]

Not a teacher

I agree with tedmc, since "flinch" implies more of an instinctive reaction I'd say it works better in this sentence.