writhing

American  

[rahy-thing] / ˈraɪ ðɪŋ /

adjective

1. twisting about or squirming, as from pain, violent effort, uncontrolled passion, etc..

   I saw a big red-tailed hawk carry a writhing blacksnake across the sky.

2. feeling or expressing acute mental discomfort or distress.

   His words were a writhing mix of anger and confusion and he didn't spare her any of it.

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noun

1. an act or instance of twisting about or squirming.

   The writhing of these fly larvae around their food looks rather strange, but it turns out there's a reason for their wriggling.

2. the state of feeling or act of expressing acute mental discomfort or distress.

   Perpetual fear and mistrust, inner pain, or the writhing of conscience may render a human existence worse than death.

Other Word Forms

• writhingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of writhing

First recorded in 1350–1400; writh(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; writh(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

The dancers, whether writhing or thriving in Pite’s throbbing ecosystem, sweep along, at times crouching like rocks, at others twisting away like ringlets of water.

From New York Times

Underneath those sheets, the dancers, rising and writhing wildly, conjure the rippling, pulsating form of a giant octopus in motion.

From New York Times

If a player gets high-sticked he’ll immediately — once done writhing in pain — rub his face with his hand and show the referee.

From Seattle Times

The dancers offer a human face, shouting, collapsing, writhing, falling, fighting, embracing.

From New York Times

The 2017 American League most valuable player dropped to the dirt, pounding the ground, writhing in pain.

From Los Angeles Times