The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RECOILED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
E
C
O
I
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result RECOILED
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RECOILED mean?
RECOILED verb- To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
- To retreat before an opponent.
- To retire, withdraw.
- (of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired