Writhe: meaning, definitions and examples

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writhe

[ raɪð ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

physical movement

To writhe is to make twisting or contorted movements of the body, often as a result of intense discomfort or pain. This action typically implies a struggle or a reaction to a stimulus, such as injury or emotional distress. Writhe can also be used more metaphorically to describe a sense of agitation or turmoil.

Synonyms

squirm, thrash, wiggle.

Examples of usage

She writhed in agony after twisting her ankle.
The snake writhed on the ground as it tried to escape.
He writhed with embarrassment when he realized his mistake.

Translations

Translations of the word "writhe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contorcer-se

🇮🇳 काँपना

🇩🇪 winden

🇮🇩 bergeliat

🇺🇦 крутитися

🇵🇱 wić się

🇯🇵 もがく

🇫🇷 se contorsionner

🇪🇸 retorcerse

🇹🇷 kıvrılmak

🇰🇷 뒤틀리다

🇸🇦 يتلوى

🇨🇿 kroutit se

🇸🇰 krútiť sa

🇨🇳 扭动

🇸🇮 zvijati se

🇮🇸 snúast

🇰🇿 бұралаңдау

🇬🇪 გაურკვევლობა

🇦🇿 dönmək

🇲🇽 retorcerse

Etymology

The word 'writhe' comes from the Old English term 'wriðan', meaning 'to twist' or 'to wind'. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*writhwōną', which also meant to twist or turn. Over the centuries, 'writhe' has maintained its fundamental meaning associated with twisting motions. The term has been used in various forms of literature to describe both physical and emotional states of turmoil. The earliest uses of the word often incorporated both the literal movement of the body and the metaphorical sense of struggling with one's inner feelings. By the Middle Ages, 'writhe' had evolved in usage, appearing in texts that depicted both physical suffering and the complexities of human emotions. Today, it retains a broad application, encompassing everything from visceral reactions to abstract feelings of discomfort.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,998, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28995 omnipresence
28996 papered
28997 refitted
28998 writhe
28999 jettisoned
29000 flayed
29001 demean
...