twisted

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
  2. verb cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form
  3. verb turn in the opposite direction

Etymology

The sense "intertwined" comes from twist (verb) by the late 15th century. The sense "mentally disturbed, perverted" is probably from twist (“mental peculiarity, perversion”, noun), which is attested by 1811.

Synonyms

writhe, wrestle, wriggle, worm, squirm, twist

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