Definition

A wide, often unnatural smile or grimace, usually showing teeth, that can indicate surprise or distress.

Example

The actor's face froze in a rictus of horror as the scene unfolded.

Conversation

Did you see that photo of the cat with the funny face?

Yeah, it had this weird rictus like it was surprised or something!

Exactly! I couldn't stop laughing at its expression.

Right? It looked like it was caught in a permanent rictus of shock.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rictus → It originates from Latin 'rictus' (meaning a gaping or open mouth). The word describes the condition of having the mouth wide open, often in a grimace or expression of fear or pain.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wide-open mouth, as 'rictus' comes from the Latin word for a gaping mouth. This helps you remember that 'rictus' refers to that specific expression.

Visually Confused Words