grimace

[grim-uhs, gri-meys]

noun

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

verb (used without object)

grimaced, grimacing 

1. to make a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

grimace

/ ɡrɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc

verb

1. (intr) to contort the face

Other Word Forms

• grimacer noun
• grimacingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimace¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from French, ultimately from Frankish grima (unrecorded) “mask” ( grim, grime ) + -azo, from Latin -āceus -aceous

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimace¹

C17: from French grimace, of Germanic origin; related to Spanish grimazo caricature; see _grim

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Charles, who responded with a playful grimace, quipped: "Yes well, all that's left of him anyway."

From BBC

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.

From BBC

“I think that smile, it wasn’t like a — it was like an ‘ooh’, you know, like, one of those,” Cunningham said, making a grimace.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contort 
• frown 
• scowl 
• smirk 
• sneer