zusammenzucken
to flinch, to start with shock or pain
verb tsoo-ZAM-en-tsook-en Rare
Usage Note
zusammenzucken is separable and describes the involuntary jerk or flinch of the body in response to pain, shock, or a sudden loud noise. One of the most natural German verbs for expressing a physical startle reflex.
Examples
"Sie zuckte zusammen, als die Nadel einstach."
Natural Translation
She flinched when the needle pricked.
Literal Translation
She jerked together when the needle pricked.
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