'wince' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'wenchier,' where 'wenchier' meant 'to turn aside or recoil.'

'wenchier' transformed into the Middle English word 'wincen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'wince.'

Initially, it meant 'to turn aside or recoil,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to grimace or shrink in response to pain or distress.'