grimace

American  

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] / ˈgrɪm əs, grɪˈmeɪs /

noun

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

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verb (used without object)

grimaced, grimacing

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

grimace British  

/ ɡrɪˈmeɪs /

noun

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

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verb

1. (intr) to contort the face

Other Word Forms

• grimacer noun
• grimacingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of grimace

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

Example Sentences

“Must be pilot error,” she said, grimacing in disgust.

From Literature

Melanie’s smile turns into a grimace as Oliver runs between us with the drum.

From Literature

Danny twisted his face into a grimace at the memory of finding a large piece of gum on the back of the remote control.

From Literature

He felt a tap on his right shoulder and grimaced in pain.

From Literature

A second ago she joked about ice cubes and now she was sprawled on the lake bottom, with only her head above the water, grimacing in pain.

From Literature

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer