Main Entry:

¹grind

Pronunciation:

\ˈgrīnd\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

ground \ˈgrau̇nd\ ; grind·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English grindan; akin to Latin frendere to crush, grind

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1: to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)2: to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction <grind an ax>3 a: oppress, harass b: to weaken or destroy gradually —usually used with down<poverty ground her spirit down>4 a: to press together with a rotating motion <grind the teeth> b: to rub or press harshly <ground the cigarette out>5: to operate or produce by turning a crank <grind a hand organ>intransitive verb1: to perform the operation of grinding2: to become pulverized, polished, or sharpened by friction3: to move with difficulty or friction especially so as to make a grating noise <gears grinding>4: drudge ; especially : to study hard <grind for an exam>5: to rotate the hips in an erotic manner

— grind·ing·ly \ˈgrīn-diŋ-lē\ adverb