verb
grit
To press the teeth tightly together.
She grits her teeth as the nurse removes the bandage.
Etymology
Probably associated with the harsh grinding suggested by grit. The exact origin of gritting the teeth remains uncertain.
More examples
- He gritted his teeth to keep from shouting.
- Try not to grit your teeth while lifting the weight.
- Gritting her teeth made her jaw ache.
Forms
grit · grits · gritted · gritting