Making a slight facial movement that shows pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, usually by tightening your facial muscles briefly.
From Old French 'wincier,' possibly related to turning or moving away; the gesture originally meant to dodge or flinch, now specifically used for visible reactions to pain or cringe.
Your face winces before your brain fully registers pain—it's an automatic reflex that happens in milliseconds, which is why people can't hide that split-second reaction to a bad news or a stubbed toe.
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