Word: Grind

Pronunciation

/ɡraɪnd/

Definitions

• Verb (v): To crush, rub, or reduce to powder or small fragments by friction, typically in a machine or with teeth. Example: “She ground the coffee beans by hand before brewing her morning coffee.”
• Verb (v): To wear down or erode something gradually through friction or pressure. Example: “The constant grinding of his teeth caused enamel damage over time.”
• Verb (v): To move or push with great effort or difficulty, often implying a sense of monotony or hardship. Example: “He had to grind his way through mountains of paperwork every day.”
• Noun (n): The act of grinding something; the process of reducing to powder or small pieces. Example: “The sound of the grinder filled the kitchen during the morning coffee grind.”
• Noun (n): A tedious or laborious task. Example: “Studying for exams was a daily grind.”
• Noun (phrasal verb): In slang, it can refer to the act of dancing closely with someone, often in a sexual manner. Example: “At the club, they were grinding against each other on the dance floor.”
• Noun (informal, slang): Referring to a person’s routine or lifestyle, especially when it involves hard work and no play. Example: “His daily 9-to-5 office job was just a boring grind.”

Phrases

• “To put someone through the grind”: To subject someone to a difficult or exhausting experience.
• “Grind to a halt”: To come to a stop after moving slowly and with difficulty.
• “Get down to the grind”: To begin working seriously or diligently on a task.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “He started to grind the gears as he learned to drive the manual car.”
• Noun: “The coffee shop offers a variety of blends from different coffee grinds.”
• Slang Noun: “The gym became their favorite spot to relieve the daily stress of the grind.”

Synonyms

• Crush
• Pulverize
• Erase
• Wear down
• Chafe
• Rub
• Work tirelessly
• Plod
• Struggle
• Hustle (in informal contexts referring to a busy or demanding lifestyle)