writhen

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English

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Pronunciation

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Verb

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writhen

  1. (archaic) past participle of writhe

Adjective

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writhen (comparative more writhen, superlative most writhen)

  1. (archaic) Twisted, contorted.
  2. (archaic) Made or shaped by intertwining; plaited.

Anagrams

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Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Old English wrīþan. Cognates include Old Swedish vrīþa and Middle High German rīden.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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writhen

  1. To form or make into a curve or bend; to make bent:
    1. To bend or twist into a circular shape (as a wreath)
    2. To bend or twist as to distort; to writhe or wring.
    3. To bend or twist as to snap or split; to twist out of position.
  2. To writhe; to make a twisting motion (often while in pain)
  3. To move in a twisted or distorted way; to squirm.
  4. To force someone to fall over; to knock over.
  5. To connect two things or enclose one thing in another.
  6. To go or look away; to avoid involvement in an activity or matter.
  7. (rare) To start a behaviour or acquire attributes.
  8. (rare) To twine two things together.
  9. (rare) To be intertwined or twined together.
  10. (rare, surgery) To drill a hole by a twisting motion.

Usage notes

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Weak forms occasionally appear in this verb, but it generally remains strong.

Conjugation

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Descendants

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  • English: writhe
  • Scots: wryth, writhe

References

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