verb
contort
kun-TORT/kənˈtɔːrt/
To twist or bend out of a natural shape.
The flexible metal hose is contorted into a tightly twisted 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.
In context
the caterpillar larva they would contort their bodies rapidly they were trying to deter the scratching
More examples
- Her face contorts with pain.
- He contorts his body to crawl through the narrow opening.
- Years of strong wind have contorted the tree's branches.
Forms
contort · contorts · contorted · contorting
contortion noun — A twisted or distorted shape or movement.