French word

froncer

Pronunciation

IPA/fʁɔ̃se/

Meaning

  • verbwrinkle

Example

Il a froncé le nez.

He wrinkled his nose.

Illustration for froncer (wrinkle)

More examples

Elle a froncé les sourcils en lisant le message.

She furrowed her brows while reading the message.

Core concept

A face tightening so that its skin gathers into visible creases expressing a reaction.

Common phrases

  • froncer les sourcils

    furrow one's brows

  • froncer le nez

    wrinkle one's nose

Similar words

grimacer: To contort the face because of discomfort, disgust, or pain.
plisser: To squint or create small folds on a surface.
sourciller: To briefly move the eyebrows as a sign of reaction.
renfrogner: To keep the face set in a gloomy, displeased expression.

Definition in French

Contracter et rapprocher une zone du visage, notamment les sourcils ou le nez, pour former des plis qui expriment le doute, la contrariété ou le dégoût.

Word origin

The verb froncer developed from French fronce, a word for a fold or wrinkle, and its use extended from forming cloth folds to forming creases in the face.

Usage tips

  • Froncer les sourcils can indicate concentration or puzzlement as well as displeasure, while froncer le nez often signals dislike of a smell or taste.

Other meanings

  • puckerverb
  • frownverb

Opposites

Related words

  • froncéfurrowedadjective
  • froncementfrownnoun

Word lists with this word