grimace

American  

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

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 British  

/ 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

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

Christopher looked at Mal, his eyebrows high behind the woman’s back, and they exchanged grimaces.

From Literature

She smiles, but it comes out more like a grimace.

From Literature

Owen grimaced as George pulled him out of the hole and redid his bandage.

From Literature

He tried to look as shocked as the others when host Claudia Winkleman slammed Faith's coffin lid shut, but couldn't help a guilty grimace.

From BBC

She took one look at the time on her phone and grimaced.

From Literature

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer