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

Moments later, the cat lays purring and writhing on the ground until it "dies".

From BBC

But after the play, Davis fell to the court and writhed in pain, holding his face.

From Los Angeles Times

Viral videos of them writhing in pain before being taken for medical treatment sparked a renewed debate over their treatment by authorities in Nigeria, as well as the length of their detention.

From BBC

Four young suspects - who were arrested during major anti-government protests in August - collapsed on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain before being removed to get medical help.

From BBC

Images of him writhing in agony as he burned to death in the family’s tent were shared around the world on social media.

From BBC

Related Words

• recoil
• squirm
• wiggle
• wince