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Recoil

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recoil
the motion acquired by a particle as a result of its emission of a photon or other particle
recoil [′rē‚kȯil]
(mechanics)
gun reaction
Recoil 

in firearms, the reverse movement of the barrel or breech caused by the energy of the powder gases when a pistol, rifle, or artillery gun is fired. The movement goes in the direction opposite to the direction of firing.

Recoil is manifested as a force that affects the firer or gun mount. In automatic weapons, the recoil is used for reloading (opening the breech, ejecting the used cartridge, loading the next round, closing the breech, and setting the firing pin).
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Her fears for Sikes would have been more powerful inducements to recoil while there was yet time; but she had stipulated that her secret should be rigidly kept, she had dropped no clue which could lead to his discovery, she had refused, even for his sake, a refuge from all the guilt and wretchedness that encompasses her--and what more could she do
Oliver Twist Or The Parish Boy's Progress by Dickens, Charles View in context
But, unhappy man, the dreadful recoil will smash you to pieces at your starting.
From The Earth To The Moon by Verne, Jules View in context
And if the idea of peril so much enhances the popular conceit of the soldier's profession; let me assure ye that many a veteran who has freely marched up to a battery, would quickly recoil at the apparition of the sperm whale's vast tail, fanning into eddies the air over his head.
Moby Dick I-LXVII by Melville, Herman View in context
 
 
 
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