Rictus

usgb/ˈrɪktəs/
noun

A fixed or unnatural grin or smile.

A rictus of pain spread across his face as the bullet ripped through his shoulder.
Visual representation of "rictus" - A fixed or unnatural grin or smile.

Often appears as...

  • rictus of pain
  • rictus grin
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "rictus"
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Negative Tone

Rictus often indicates a grim or forced situation, not a genuine smile.

Illustration for Negative Tone
After receiving criticism, she managed only a rictus.
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Masking Emotion

A rictus can be used to hide true feelings, giving nothing away.

Illustration for Masking Emotion
His rictus betrayed nothing of the turmoil within.
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Intensity

Rictus emphasizes the intensity of an emotion, often discomfort or distress.

Illustration for Intensity
His face was locked in a rictus of horror.
Visual representation of the word "Rictus"

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