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

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

Three portable toilets in the west parking lot were so full that a woman repeatedly opened and closed each door with a grimace and then walked away.

From The Wall Street Journal

And so, on Tuesday, the days of gratitude can end, and Dodgers fans can resume reflexively criticizing their manager and grimacing about whether they can trust anyone in their bullpen.

From Los Angeles Times

Charles, who responded with a playful grimace, quipped: "Yes well, all that's left of him anyway."

From BBC

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer