contorted; contorting; contorts
: to twist in a violent manner
features contorted with fury
: to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression
His face contorted in a grimace of pain.
con·tor·tion
kən-ˈtȯr-shən
plural -s
: the act or result of contorting or the state of being contorted : a twisting into abnormal or grotesque shape : a needlessly or unduly complicated action or posture
goes through tremendous contortions in an effort to link together her two separate plots—James Yaffe
contortional
adjective
kən-ˈtȯr-shnəl,
-shə-nᵊl
Did you know?
Circus contortionists are known for twisting their bodies into pretzels; such contortions tend to be easier for females than for males, and much easier for the young than for the old. When trying to say something uncomfortable or dishonest, people often go through verbal contortions. But when someone else "twists" something you said or did, we usually say instead that they've distorted it.
Cite this Entry
“Contort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contort. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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