contortionist

[ kuhn-tawr-shuh-nist ]

noun

1. a person who performs gymnastic feats involving contorted postures.
2. a person who practices contortion:

   a verbal contortionist.

contortionist

/ kənˈtɔːʃənɪst /

noun

1. a performer who contorts his body for the entertainment of others
2. a person who twists or warps meaning or thoughts

   a verbal contortionist

Derived Forms

• conˌtortionˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• con·tortion·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contortionist¹

First recorded in 1855–60; contortion + -ist

Example Sentences

But once you tease out fact from fake, “Disclaimer” is a fairly straightforward revenge story, though whether or not the revenge is deserved is a central question of its contortionist plot.

From Los Angeles Times

The son of a contortionist mother and Globe of Steel rider father, Eguino has a tattoo of the steel cage on his left forearm along with a $100 bill, representing the act as his livelihood.

From Los Angeles Times

He then shook my hand, turned to leave after telling me to enjoy my coffee and dropped a suggestion about Donald Trump indulging himself in a manner not recommended for those who are not contortionists.

From Salon

A little bit of James Ellroy can be a lot: the hepcat tough guy lingo, the contortionist plotting, the headfirst plummet into seedy sex, scandal and nihilism.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, thanks to social media, he has begun to establish himself as a professional contortionist and is training others to do the same.

From BBC