grimace

[ grim-uhs, gri-meys ]

noun

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

verb (used without object)

, grim·aced, grim·ac·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• griˈmacer, noun
• griˈmacingly, adverb

Other Words From

• grim·ac·er noun

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

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer