contortionist

[kuhn-tawr-shuh-nist]

noun

1. a person who performs gymnastic feats involving contorted postures.

2. a person who practices contortion.

   a verbal contortionist.

contortionist

/ kənˈtɔːʃənɪst /

noun

1. a performer who contorts his body for the entertainment of others

2. a person who twists or warps meaning or thoughts

   a verbal contortionist

Other Word Forms

• contortionistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contortionist¹

First recorded in 1855–60; contortion + -ist

Example Sentences

“May I leave my contortionist skills at the door and speak from the heart?” asked the Oscar-nominated performer.

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The magician Ricky Jay’s compendium of actual “unique, eccentric and amazing entertainers” offers a parade of con artists, charlatans, escapologists, daredevils, mesmerists, contortionists and sideshow acts.

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That word came up many times during the show’s first audition rounds as dancers, singers, magicians, acrobats and a contortionist took the stage.

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But once you tease out fact from fake, “Disclaimer” is a fairly straightforward revenge story, though whether or not the revenge is deserved is a central question of its contortionist plot.

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The son of a contortionist mother and Globe of Steel rider father, Eguino has a tattoo of the steel cage on his left forearm along with a $100 bill, representing the act as his livelihood.

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