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

  1. to make twisting or turning movements; contort the body, as in agony; squirm
  2. to suffer great emotional distress, as from embarrassment or revulsion

noun

a writhing movement; contortion

Related Forms:

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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