recoil from (someone or something)
To cower, shrink back, or pull away from someone or something. Children recoiled from the man ever since his face had been disfigured in that accident. We need a leader who won't recoil from doing what's right, even if it's unpleasant.
recoil from someone or something
to draw back from someone or something. I recoiled from Sally when she told me what she had done. I recoiled from the horror and slammed the door.