Definition

1. Noun:

   • A contorted facial expression that typically shows disgust, disapproval, pain, or other strong negative feelings. It is an involuntary or deliberate twisting of the face.
   • A distorted or exaggerated facial expression that can also be used for comedic or theatrical effect.

2. Verb:

   • To contort the face in an ugly or twisted way, often to express pain, disgust, annoyance, or disapproval.
   • To make a facial expression that shows strong dislike or discomfort.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • A grimace of pain crossed his face when he stubbed his toe.
  • She couldn't hide her grimace after tasting the sour milk.

• Verb:

  • He grimaced as he drank the bitter medicine.
  • The audience grimaced at the character's terrible jokes.

Advanced Usage

• "to grimace at": to make a grimace in reaction to something specific.

  • She grimaced at the thought of cleaning the messy room.

• "with a grimace": used to describe an action accompanied by a grimace.

  • With a grimace, he accepted the difficult task.

Variants and Related Words

• Grimacing (adj): Making or characterized by a grimace.
  • He gave a grimacing smile.

Synonyms

• Scowl: To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
• Wince: To make a slight, involuntary grimace or shrinking movement, often due to pain or distress.
• Frown: To furrow one's brows, typically in displeasure or concentration.

Related Phrases

• Make a grimace: To produce a grimace.
  • The child made a grimace when given vegetables.

Idioms

• A pained grimace: A grimace specifically showing physical or emotional pain.
  • He answered the question with a pained grimace.

Noun

1. a contorted facial expression
   • she made a grimace at the prospect

Verb

1. contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
   • He grimaced when he saw the amount of homework he had to do