のけぞり

のけぞり
noun
bending backward; recoiling
movement
1. bending backward; leaning back; arching the body backward
The action or posture of bending the upper body backward, away from something. Can describe a physical posture, a startled recoil, or an exaggerated backward lean.
のけぞりの姿勢(しせい)になった。
I ended up leaning way back.
驚(おどろ)いてのけぞりになるほどの値段(ねだん)だった。
The price was so shocking I practically fell over backward.
赤(あか)ちゃんが急(きゅう)にのけぞりになって、抱(だ)いていた母親(ははおや)は慌(あわ)てた。
The baby suddenly arched backward, and the mother holding it panicked.

The noun form of the verb のけぞる (to bend/lean backward, to recoil). The verb form is more commonly used than the noun.

のけぞる often describes an involuntary backward movement caused by surprise, shock, or disgust. It can also describe babies arching their backs, or a physical posture in certain exercises or stretches.

Common patterns

Related words

  • のけぞる: to bend backward, to recoil — the verb form (more common)
  • 仰向(あおむ)け: lying face-up — a resting position, not a recoil
  • 反(そ)り返(かえ)る: to arch backward — similar meaning, more deliberate

Related Words

Related: 仰(の)け反(ぞ)る (to bend backward, to recoil)
Related: 仰向(あおむ)け (lying face-up)
Related: 反(そ)り返(かえ)る (to arch backward)
general
Added 2026.5.1 21:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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