writhe

[ rahyth ]
/ raɪð /

verb (used without object), writhed, writh·ing.

to twist the body about, or squirm, as in pain, violent effort, etc.
to shrink mentally, as in acute discomfort.

verb (used with object), writhed, writh·ing.

to twist or bend out of shape or position; distort; contort.
to twist (oneself, the body, etc.) about, as in pain.

noun

a writhing movement; a twisting of the body, as in pain.

Origin of writhe

before 900; Middle English writhen (v.), Old English wrīthan to twist, wind; cognate with Old Norse rītha to knit, twist; akin to wreath, wry

OTHER WORDS FROM writhe

writh·er, noun writh·ing·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH writhe

wraith wreath wreathe writhe

Example sentences from the Web for writhed

British Dictionary definitions for writhed

writhe
/ (raɪð) /

verb

to twist or squirm in or as if in pain
(intr) to move with such motions
(intr) to suffer acutely from embarrassment, revulsion, etc

noun

the act or an instance of writhing

Derived forms of writhe

writher, noun

Word Origin for writhe

Old English wrīthan; related to Old High German rīdan, Old Norse rītha. See wrath, wreath, wrist, wroth