rictus

[ˈrɪktəs]

rictus Definition

• 1. a fixed grimace or grin
• 2. the gaping of the mouth in death

Using rictus: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rictus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The clown's painted rictus was both amusing and unsettling.

• Example

  The corpse's face was frozen in a rictus of terror.

• Example

  He tried to suppress his laughter but could not help the rictus on his face.

rictus Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rictus

• grimace
• grin
• smile
• facial expression

Phrases with rictus

• death rictus

  the gaping of the mouth that occurs in death

  Example

  The painting depicted the death rictus of the subject, with eyes closed and mouth open.

• rictus smile

  a forced or insincere smile that appears more like a grimace

  Example

  She tried to put on a brave face, but her rictus smile betrayed her true feelings.

• rictus of pain

  a facial expression of intense pain or agony

  Example

  The athlete's rictus of pain showed how much he was pushing himself to finish the race.

Origins of rictus

from Latin 'rictus', meaning 'a gaping of the mouth'

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Summary: rictus in Brief

'Rictus' [ˈrɪktəs] refers to a fixed grimace or grin, often associated with death. It can also describe the gaping of the mouth in death. The term is used in phrases such as 'death rictus,' 'rictus smile,' and 'rictus of pain.'