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Webster's New World College Dictionary » writhing
writhing
Variant of writhe
writhe
definition
writhe (rīt̸h)
transitive verb writhed, writhing writh′·ing
to cause to twist or turn; contort
Etymology: ME writhen < OE writhan, to twist, wind about, akin to ON rītha < IE base *wer-, to bend, twist > wreath, wry
intransitive verb
- to make twisting or turning movements; contort the body, as in agony; squirm
- to suffer great emotional distress, as from embarrassment or revulsion
noun
a writhing movement; contortion
Related Forms:
- writher writh′er noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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