Nearby Words

grimace

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] Example Sentences Origin

grim·ace

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] noun, verb, -aced, -ac·ing.
noun
1.
a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
verb (used without object)
2.
to make grimaces.

:10

:09

:08

:07

:06

:05

:04

:03

:02

:01

Grimace is one of our favorite verbs.
So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:
to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.

Origin:
1645–55; < French Frankish *grima mask (compare grime, grim) + -azo < Latin -āceus -aceous

grim·ac·er, noun
grim·ac·ing·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To grimace
Example Sentences
  • When you burn your finger, the grimace on your face sends a universal message.
  • If you take a close look you will still be able to see the grimace in their faces.
  • When we smile, frown or grimace, thousands of tiny facial muscles are at work.
EXPAND
Collins
World English Dictionary
grimace (ɡrɪˈmeɪs)
 
n
1.  an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc
 
vb
2.  (intr) to contort the face
 
[C17: from French grimace, of Germanic origin; related to Spanish grimazo caricature; see grim]
 
gri'macer
 
n
 
gri'macingly
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

grimace
1651, from Fr. grimace, from M.Fr. grimache, from O.Fr. grimuche, possibly from Frank. (cf. O.S. grima), from same P.Gmc. root as grim, + pejorative suffix -azo (from L. -aceus).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature