grimacing

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-sing]

adjective

1. making or causing a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, disgust, etc..

   To the grimacing dissatisfaction of coffee drinkers, pranksters had put salt in the sugar bowl.

noun

1. the act of making a facial expression that indicates disapproval, pain, disgust, etc..

   Incoming patients can be made anxious by the grimacing of other patients waiting to be seen.

Other Word Forms

• grimacingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimacing¹

First recorded in 1740–50; grimace ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; grimace ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Following so many years of sweaty anti-heroes grimacing through dim spaces or slugging it out in grime, the Sheridan-influenced West is an unspoiled treasure worth fighting over.

Read more on Salon

And so, on Tuesday, the days of gratitude can end, and Dodgers fans can resume reflexively criticizing their manager and grimacing about whether they can trust anyone in their bullpen.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Muchova, who began grimacing because of an issue with her left leg in the sixth game, called for the trainer and received medical attention off court.

Read more on BBC

In the top of the ninth, closer Tanner Scott left the game alongside a trainer after walking one batter, hitting another and then spiking a slider that left him grimacing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But in the Game 5 loss to Minnesota that ended their season Wednesday, Luka Doncic was grimacing after a foul jammed his lower back in the first half.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contort 
• frown 
• scowl 
• smirk 
• sneer