twitch
verb (used with object)
to tug or pull at with a quick, short movement; pluck.
had been twitching
-
past perfect progressiveof twitch.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stevie’s face had been twitching for some time, and at last his feelings burst out in their usual concise form.
From The Secret Agent a Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad
Madge's mouth had been twitching, and now, in spite of herself, her laugh broke forth.
From A Young Girl's Wooing by Edward Payson Roe
"Er—let me explain, gentlemen," interposed Mr. Arnold, who had been twitching in uneasiness.
From Lanier of the Cavalry or, A Week's Arrest by Charles King
VII She tried to free herself from the speculation and disillusionment which had been twitching at her; sought to dismiss all the opinionation of an insurgent era.
From Main Street by Sinclair Lewis
In the moonlight and the glimmer from the lantern on the forecastle, Johnnie saw that his face, which had been twitching with anxiety, was now absolutely at rest.
From House of Torment A Tale of the Remarkable Adventures of Mr. John Commendone, Gentleman to King Phillip II of Spain at the English Court by Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
