grit

[ grit ]
/ grɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR grit ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object), grit·ted, grit·ting.

to cause to grind or grate together.

verb (used without object), grit·ted, grit·ting.

to make a scratchy or slightly grating sound, as of sand being walked on; grate.

Idioms for grit

    grit one's teeth, to show tenseness, anger, or determination by or as if by clamping or grinding the teeth together.

Origin of grit

before 1000; Middle English gret, griet, grit, Old English grēot; cognate with German Griess, Old Norse grjōt pebble, boulder; see grits

OTHER WORDS FROM grit

grit·less, adjective grit·ter, noun

Words nearby grit

gristle, gristly, gristmill, griswold, griswold versus connecticut, grit, grit one's teeth, grith, grits, gritter, gritti-stokes amputation

British Dictionary definitions for grit one's teeth (1 of 2)

grit
/ (ɡrɪt) /

noun

verb grits, gritting or gritted

to clench or grind together (two objects, esp the teeth)
to cover (a surface, such as icy roads) with grit

Derived forms of grit

gritless, adjective

Word Origin for grit

Old English grēot; related to Old Norse grjōt pebble, Old High German grioz; see great, groats, gruel

British Dictionary definitions for grit one's teeth (2 of 2)

Grit
/ (ɡrɪt) /

noun, adjective Canadian

an informal word for Liberal

Idioms and Phrases with grit one's teeth

grit one's teeth

Summon up one's strength to face unpleasantness or overcome a difficulty. For example, Gritting his teeth, he dove into the icy water. This expression uses grit in the sense of both clamping one's teeth together and grinding them with effort. [Late 1700s]