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grincement

creaking, grinding noise

noun greens-MAHN Rare

Usage Note

Grincement is the noun from the verb grincer (to creak, to grind). It commonly collocates with de dents in the biblical phrase grincements de dents, meaning 'gnashing of teeth' — used figuratively for great anguish or frustration. The sound it describes is specifically a harsh, scraping or squeaking noise, like a hinge or a saw.

Examples

"Le grincement de la porte réveilla tout le monde."

Natural Translation

The creaking of the door woke everyone up.

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