DictionaryRoot: torquere
Latin
torquere
twist or turn
Forms
- torquere
- tort- — The changed form used for completed action.
Origin
From an older Indo-European root associated with twisting.
Note
Twisting can convey distortion or physical strain as well as a simple change of direction.
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verb
contort
kun-TORT/kənˈtɔːrt/
To twist or bend out of a natural shape.
Etymology
The Latin verb meant to whirl or twist together, with the prefix perhaps intensifying the twisting. English focuses on twisting that wrenches something out of its normal shape or position.