Pronunciation: [blˈɛnt͡ʃt] (IPA) 
The word "blenched" is spelled with the letter "ch", which represents the "tʃ" sound in IPA phonetic transcription. This sound is a combination of the sounds "t" and "ʃ". The word means to turn pale or to flinch in fear. It is commonly misspelled as "blanched", which means to whiten by removing its natural color. To correctly spell this word, remember to use the letters "ch" instead of "n" in the middle of the word.
Blenched is a verb that is associated with the act of flinching or recoiling in fear or surprise. It is primarily used to describe a sudden, involuntary movement of the body or face due to a sudden shock or fright. When someone blenches, they typically exhibit a quick, instinctive reaction to a sudden or unexpected stimulus, often involving the movement of the face, particularly the eyes or eyebrows.
The term is derived from the Old English word "blencan," which means to deceive or to cheat. Over time, its meaning has evolved to imply a startled movement or a sudden defensive response. Blenching is usually characterized by a brief but noticeable pause or recoil, as the individual's body tenses up momentarily in response to an unexpected event or situation.
The use of the word blenched often suggests a certain degree of vulnerability or surprise, as it is typically associated with a momentary lapse of composure due to a sudden scare. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who exhibits hesitancy, timidity, or wariness toward a given situation, showing signs of retreating or backing away.
In summary, when someone blenches, they display a sudden involuntary reaction or recoil in response to a sudden fright, shock, or surprise.
The word "blenched" is derived from the Middle English word "blenchen", which originated from the Old English word "blencan". In turn, "blencan" has roots in the Old Norse word "blekkja". The original meaning of "blenchen" was to flinch or move suddenly, as if startled or frightened. Over time, this evolved to include the sense of turning pale or becoming white with fear. Thus, the etymology of "blenched" reflects its historical association with fear and a sudden reaction.
