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grimace

noun

/ˈɡrɪməs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of grimace

A facial expression that usually indicates disgust, disapproval, pain, or discomfort.
"Her face twisted into a grimace when she saw the spider."

Detailed meaning of grimace

It is characterized by a contortion of the face, often accompanied by a wrinkling of the nose, a raising of the upper lip, and a tightening of the cheeks. Grimacing can be used to express a wide range of emotions, such as disgust, pain, or disapproval, and it's a nonverbal communication tool used to express one's feelings without using words. Grimacing is often used as a form of body language to show disapproval, disgust, or dissatisfaction. It can also be used to indicate physical discomfort, such as when one is in pain. In literature and art, grimace is often used as a stylistic device to convey emotion or mood. In general, grimace refers to a facial expression that usually indicates disgust, disapproval, pain, or discomfort, it's a nonverbal communication tool.

Example sentences containing grimace

1. He couldn't help but grimace when he tasted the sour milk.
2. The athlete's grimace showed the pain he was in after the injury.
3. The comedian's joke elicited a grimace from the audience.
4. He tried to hide his grimace when his boss announced the new policy.
5. The dentist's drill caused a grimace from the patient.
6. The thought of having to do the project again made her grimace.

History and etymology of grimace

The noun 'grimace' has its etymology rooted in both French and Latin. It is derived from the Old French word 'grimacier,' which means 'to make a wry face' or 'to sneer.' This Old French term, in turn, has Latin origins, stemming from 'grinatia,' which translates to 'a snarl' or 'a baring of the teeth.' The etymology of 'grimace' aptly captures its meaning as a facial expression that typically indicates disgust, disapproval, pain, or discomfort. It emphasizes the contorted or twisted nature of the facial muscles when one makes such an expression, highlighting the physical manifestation of emotional or physical distress or displeasure.

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Further usage examples of grimace

1. The child's grimace revealed his distaste for the vegetables.
2. The grimace on his face indicated he didn't like the gift.
3. She tried to keep a straight face but ended up with a grimace.
4. The actor's grimace made his character seem more menacing.
5. His grimace was quickly replaced with a smile when he saw his friend.
6. The grimace on his face revealed the excruciating pain he was experiencing.
7. She couldn't hide her grimace of disgust when she saw the spoiled food.
8. The news of the company's bankruptcy elicited a collective grimace from the employees.
9. He tried to suppress a grimace as the dentist's drill whirred in his mouth.
10. The bitter taste of the medicine caused her to grimace involuntarily.
11. His grimace of frustration during the marathon was evident to all spectators.
12. Seeing the results of the experiment, she couldn't help but grimace in disappointment.
13. A grimace crossed her face as she bit into the overcooked and rubbery steak.
14. The comedian's jokes fell flat, resulting in more grimaces than laughter.
15. The grimace on his face spoke volumes about the discomfort of the airplane seat.
16. She couldn't hide her grimace when tasting the acrid and burnt coffee.
17. The sight of the messy and disorganized room prompted a grimace of disapproval.
18. The loud and screeching brakes on the old car made passengers grimace in discomfort.
19. He attempted a smile, but it twisted into a painful grimace due to his injury.
20. Despite the pain, he tried to mask his grimace with a polite and friendly expression.
21. The acrid smell of the chemicals in the lab made her grimace and cough.
22. The bitter argument between the coworkers led to a grimace from their supervisor.
23. The news of the price increase resulted in a collective grimace from the customers.
24. His grimace of surprise was quickly replaced by a smile when he saw the surprise party.
25. The unexpected and icy cold water caused everyone to grimace in shock.