contorted

[ kuh n-tawr-tid ]
/ kənˈtɔr tɪd /

adjective

twisted in a violent manner; distorted.
twisted back on itself; convoluted.

Origin of contorted

First recorded in 1615–25; contort + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM contorted

Definition for contorted (2 of 2)

contort
[ kuh n-tawrt ]
/ kənˈtɔrt /

verb (used with object)

to twist, bend, or draw out of shape; distort.

verb (used without object)

to become twisted, distorted, or strained: His face contorted into a grotesque sneer.

Origin of contort

1555–65; < Latin contortus twisted together, past participle of contorquēre. See con-, tort

Example sentences from the Web for contorted

British Dictionary definitions for contorted (1 of 2)

contorted
/ (kənˈtɔːtɪd) /

adjective

twisted out of shape
(esp of petals and sepals in a bud) twisted so that they overlap on one side

Derived forms of contorted

contortedly, adverb contortedness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for contorted (2 of 2)

contort
/ (kənˈtɔːt) /

verb

to twist or bend severely out of place or shape, esp in a strained manner

Derived forms of contort

contortive, adjective

Word Origin for contort

C15: from Latin contortus intricate, obscure, from contorquēre to whirl around, from torquēre to twist, wrench