To snarl or grin, showing the teeth in a threatening or angry manner.
From Middle English and Old Norse origins, related to Germanic words meaning to snarl or grimace. The word evolved to describe the facial expression of anger or aggression in animals and humans.
This word is a linguistic ancestor of 'grin' and captures something our ancestors found important enough to name—that universal animal threat display where teeth become visible. It shows how humans have always been fascinated by reading emotions through facial expressions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.