grimacing

American  

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-sing] / ˈgrɪm əs ɪŋ, grɪˈmeɪ sɪŋ /

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of grimacing

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

Example Sentences

With his eyes closed and his face grimacing, he grappled for a bolt.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pictures and videos circulating online and also shared by local state authorities showed a shirtless Joshua -- a British national of Nigerian heritage -- grimacing in pain as he was helped step out of the car.

From Barron's

“That was disgusting!” a man shouts into the mic, flashing a grimacing expression.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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.

From Salon

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer