writhe

[ rahyth ]

verb (used without object)

, writhed, writh·ing.

1. to twist the body about or squirm, as in pain, violent effort, uncontrolled passion, etc.

   Synonyms: wriggle, contort, flail, thresh

2. to shrink mentally, as in acute discomfort.

verb (used with object)

, writhed, writh·ing.

1. to twist or bend out of shape or position; distort; contort.
2. to twist (oneself, the body, etc.) about, as in pain.

noun

1. a writhing movement; a twisting of the body, as in pain.

writhe

/ raɪð /

verb

1. to twist or squirm in or as if in pain
2. intr to move with such motions
3. intr to suffer acutely from embarrassment, revulsion, etc

noun

1. the act or an instance of writhing

Derived Forms

• ˈwrither, noun

Other Words From

• writh·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of writhe¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English writhen (verb), Old English wrīthan “to twist, wind”; cognate with Old Norse rītha “to knit, twist”; akin to wreath, wry

Word History and Origins

Origin of writhe¹

Old English wrīthan; related to Old High German rīdan, Old Norse rītha. See wrath , wreath , wrist , wroth

Example Sentences

The Twomblys, which might appear settled in more sedate company, here writhe and twitch.

From The Daily Beast

While the presidential guards let him writhe in pain on the pavement, people came to help him up.

From The Daily Beast

He loathed himself for submitting to her cruelty, for it was intentional cruelty—she made him writhe and suffer of set purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Prentice eyed him in a way that would have made a person with a thinner skin writhe a little.

From Project Gutenberg

For a time, the South Wind watched them writhe and twist and try to throw each other to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

He had got under the armor of his enemy at last, and he could feel him wince and writhe at each thrust that he drove home.

From Project Gutenberg

Shall the gazer who would read the secrets of the stars turn because under his feet a worm may writhe?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• recoil
• squirm
• wiggle
• wince