verb (used without object)
1.
to twist the body about, or squirm, as in pain, violent effort, etc.
2.
to shrink mentally, as in acute discomfort.
verb (used with object)
3.
to twist or bend out of shape or position; distort; contort.
4.
to twist (oneself, the body, etc.) about, as in pain.
noun
5.
a writhing movement; a twisting of the body, as in pain.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To writhe
00:10
Writhe
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is malign. Does it mean:
| behind |
| to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame: |
Collins
World English Dictionary
writhe (raɪð) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 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 |
| —n | |
| 4. | the act or an instance of writhing |
| [Old English wrīthan; related to Old High German rīdan, Old Norse rītha. See | |
| 'writher | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
writhe
O.E. wriðan "to twist or bend," earlier "to bind or fetter," from P.Gmc. *writhanan (cf. N.Fris. wrial, O.H.G. ridan, O.N. riða, M.Swed. vriþa, M.Da. vride), from PIE *wreit- "to turn, bend" (see wreath).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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