grimace

grimace — verb

IPA/ˈɡrɪməs/
KK[ɡrˈɪməs]IPA/ˈɡrɪməs/
  • grimacepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • grimaceshe / she / it
  • grimacedpast simple
  • grimacing-ing form

1. to pull your face into a twisted, unattractive shape as a sudden reaction to phy

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to pull your face into a twisted, unattractive shape as a sudden reaction to physical pain, a bad taste or smell, or something you find very unpleasant

Example

Mei-Lin grimaced when the doctor touched her swollen ankle.

grimace + when + [painful situation]

Haruto grimaced at the bitter taste of the medicine.

grimace + at + [unpleasant sensation]

Common collocations
  • grimace at
  • grimace with pain
  • grimace in disgust
  • grimace in pain
Synonyms
  • wince

    quicker, more involuntary reaction, usually to sudden pain or surprise

  • scowl

    expresses anger or bad mood rather than pain or disgust

  • frown

    milder expression of displeasure, concentration, or worry

Antonyms
  • smile

    a happy or friendly facial expression

Grammar Patterns

grimace + at/in/with + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used with the prepositions 'at' (the cause), 'with' (the feeling), or 'in' (the emotion) to indicate why someone is grimacing.

Common Mistakes

He grimaced her angrily.
He grimaced at her angrily.
Grimace is intransitive; you cannot grimace someone. Use 'at' to show the target of the expression.
She grimaced loudly when she stubbed her toe.
She grimaced when she stubbed her toe.
Grimace describes a facial expression, not a sound. Use 'groaned' or 'yelled' for a noise.

grimace — noun

IPA/ˈɡrɪm.əs/
KK[ɡrˈɪməs]IPA/ˈɡrɪm.əs/