flinched

verb

1. 1.To strip the blubber or skin from, as from a whale, seal, etc.
2. 2.To make a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a (usually negative) stimulus; to cringe.
3. 3.To dodge (a question), to avoid an unpleasant task or duty
4. 4.To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.