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

Frank was furious at his team's lack of aggression at Arsenal, visibly grimacing when he pointed out they only won 17 out of 53 duels and second-ball situations.

Read more on BBC

I blink them back and try for a lopsided smile … but it deflates and melts into an ugly grimace.

Read more on Literature

The folds of his skin looked deeper than usual, and his smile seemed forced, like he was grinning through a grimace.

Read more on Literature

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

Three portable toilets in the west parking lot were so full that a woman repeatedly opened and closed each door with a grimace and then walked away.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• contort 
• frown 
• scowl 
• smirk 
• sneer