grimacing

[grim-uhs-ing, gri-mey-sing]

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimacing¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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

But in the Game 5 loss to Minnesota that ended their season Wednesday, Luka Doncic was grimacing after a foul jammed his lower back in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times

LeBron James, whom we last saw on the court grimacing after a hip flexor strain, didn’t have much burst to the basket or much touch on his shot.

From Los Angeles Times

He holds the movie up, grimacing, sweating, screaming, so that every beat feels more important than it is.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contort 
• frown 
• scowl 
• smirk 
• sneer