writhe

American  

[rahyth] / raɪð /

verb (used without object)

writhed, writhing

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.

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verb (used with object)

writhed, writhing

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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the act or an instance of writhing

Other Word Forms

• writher noun

Etymology

Origin of writhe

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

Explanation

To writhe is to squirm and twist. Often you'll see the phrase "to writhe in agony." Writhe when you've just ingested some stomach-wrenching poison, or perhaps in response to red ant stings. Writhe stems from the Old English, meaning "to twist or bend." It's not a coincidence that a Christmas wreath is greenery twisted and bent into a circle. A person can writhe in embarrassment but it's usually reserved for times when pain or discomfort cause you to twist and bend over and squirm because your body is in such distress.

Example Sentences

But if you’ve put decades into watching this band, you deserve to see what this incarnation can wrench and writhe into.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

When athletes tear ACLs in other sports, crowds are used to watching them writhe on the ground in agony.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Smith began to shake and writhe violently, in thrashing spasms and seizure-like movements, at about 7:58 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

The Colombian star put on a spectacular show that saw her dance with knives, writhe in a fake cave and play a fiery guitar solo during Objection Tango.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2023

He floated above, weightless, watching his human self labor and writhe.

From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• recoil
• squirm
• wiggle
• wince