Rictus
/ˈrɪktəs/
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Tone
Rictus often indicates a grim or forced situation, not a genuine smile.
After receiving criticism, she managed only a rictus.
Pro Tip 2/3Masking Emotion
A rictus can be used to hide true feelings, giving nothing away.
His rictus betrayed nothing of the turmoil within.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity
Rictus emphasizes the intensity of an emotion, often discomfort or distress.
His face was locked in a rictus of horror.
Compare with
ContortionConvulsionDistortionGrimGrimaceSnarlSpasmTwitch
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