B2nounpsychologyhealth
US/ˈriː.fleks/
UK/ˈriː.fleks/
a quick automatic movement of the body that you cannot control, such as pulling your hand from a hot object
In context
The doctor tapped my knee to test my reflexes.
Blinking is a reflex that protects the eye from dust.
Good drivers need quick reflexes on a busy highway.
Words that go with reflex
adjective + noun
- quick reflexesGoalkeepers need quick reflexes.
- a natural reflexFear is a natural reflex in dangerous situations.
- conditioned reflexPavlov studied the conditioned reflex in dogs.
verb + noun
- test reflexesDoctors test reflexes during a check-up.
noun + noun
- reflex actionPulling your hand away is a reflex action.
- gag reflexA strong gag reflex can make dental visits hard.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
good reflexCorrect: quick reflexes