Twisting: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something that is being turned or bent in different directions, often in a smooth, continuous motion.

• The vines were twisting around the fence
• She felt a twisting sensation in her stomach

Use to describe something that is wound into a series of loops or spirals.

• The snake coiled itself around the tree branch
• He held a coil of rope in his hands

Use when something is rotating around a point or axis, or when describing someone changing direction.

• Turn the doorknob to open the door
• She turned to look at him

Use to describe small, quick movements back and forth or side to side, often to get free or through a tight space.

• The worm wriggled through the soil
• The child wriggled out of her mother's arms

Use to describe something that is being twisted out of its normal shape, often making it hard to recognize. Typically has a negative connotation.

• The heat from the fire distorted the air
• His voice was distorted by the bad connection

Use when someone is providing false or inaccurate information about something, usually to deceive. Negative connotation.

• The report misrepresented the facts
• He felt his views were misrepresented in the media

Refers to the action of making something move in a series of curves or turns. Often used to describe roads, paths, or movements.

• The road was twisting through the mountains.
• The twisting river carved through the valley.

Indicates rotating or contorting something into a new shape. Can also have a negative connotation when describing deceitful actions.

• She twisted the cap off the bottle.
• His story had a surprising twist.

Describes winding something into a series of loops or rings. Often used for ropes, cables, or springs.

• She coiled the rope neatly after using it.
• The snake coiled around the tree branch.

Indicates moving or twisting in a continuously curving path. Often used to describe staircases, shells, or motions.

• The staircase spirals up to the top floor.
• Smoke spiraled up from the chimney.

Refers to changing direction or position. Commonly used for movements, vehicles, objects, or abstract concepts.

• He turned the doorknob.
• The car turned left at the intersection.

Indicates changing the shape of something by applying pressure. Commonly used for physical objects like metal, paper, or the human body.

• He bent the wire into a loop.
• She had to bend down to pick up the book.