Wince Meaning in English

word

US

ˈwɪns

WINSS

UK

wˈɪns

WINSS

Definition

To make a slight facial expression or body movement when something hurts or is embarrassing.

Usage & Nuances

Slight and involuntary; usually from mild pain, discomfort, or embarrassment. Often used with 'at' (e.g., 'wince at the sound'). Not the same as crying or screaming; much subtler.

• Spanish: hacer mueca (de dolor) - estremecerse
• Portuguese (BR): fazer careta (de dor) - estremecer-se
• Portuguese (PT): fazer uma careta (de dor) - estremecer-se
• Chinese (Simplified): 皱眉 (因疼痛或尴尬) - 畏缩
• Chinese (Traditional): 皺眉 (因疼痛或尷尬) - 畏縮
• Hindi: सिकुड़ जाना (दर्द या असुविधा में) - मुँह बनाना
• Arabic: يتجهم (من ألم أو إحراج) - يرتعش
• Bengali: কুঁচকানো মুখ করা - মুখ বিকৃতি করা (ব্যথা/বিরক্তি/লজ্জা)
• Russian: поморщиться - вздрагивать (от боли/неприятного)
• Japanese: 顔をしかめる
• Vietnamese: nhăn mặt - cau mày (vì đau hoặc ngượng)
• Korean: 찡그리다
• Turkish: yüzünü ekşitmek
• Urdu: منہ بنانا - چہرہ بگاڑنا
• Indonesian: meringis - menyeringai (karena sakit atau malu)

Example Sentences

He winced when the doctor touched his arm.

basic

She winced at the loud noise.

basic

Children often wince when they taste something sour.

basic

"Ouch!" Jake winced as he stubbed his toe on the table.

natural

I always wince at cringeworthy scenes in movies.

natural

Try not to wince when you get your vaccine shot.

natural