Contortion — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /kən-ˈtȯrt/ con·tort

Meaning & Definition of Contortion

Contortion (verb)

  1. to twist in a violent manner
  2. to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression

Contortion (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition

    "the comedian is renowned for his seemingly endless variety of facial contortions"

    similar: deformation, distortion, misshaping, screwing, squinching, torturing, warping
    related: defacement, deformity, disfigurement, malformation

Related Entry: Contort (verb)

Contort is a different word from Contortion. The synonyms below are for contort, not for contortion.

  1. to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition

    "the acrobat is able to contort his body so that it almost looks like a pretzel"

    similar: deform, distort, misshape, screw, squinch, torture, warp
    related: deface, disfigure, wrench, wrest, wring, coil, curl, loop, spiral, twine, wind, wreathe
    near: straighten, unbend, uncurl

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contortion

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contortion:

deformation, distortion, misshaping, screwing, squinching, torturing, warping

Related Words for Contortion

defacement, deformity, disfigurement, malformation

Word Forms of Contortion

Inflections: contorted, contorting, contorts

Derived words: contortion (noun), contortive (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Contortion

Middle English, from Latin contortus, past participle of contorquēre, from com- + torquēre to twist torture:1

First known use: 15th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Contortion

What does "Contortion" mean?

"Contortion" means to twist in a violent manner. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to twist in a violent manner.

What is another word for "Contortion"?

Other words for "Contortion" include deformation, distortion, misshaping, screwing, squinching, torturing and warping. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contortion" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contortion"?

There are 11 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contortion". Common alternatives include deformation, distortion, misshaping, screwing, squinching, torturing and warping.

How do you use "Contortion" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contortion" in a sentence: "the comedian is renowned for his seemingly endless variety of facial contortions".

Is "Contortion" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contortion" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Contortion"?

"Contortion" is pronounced /kən-ˈtȯrt/ and divided into syllables as con·tort.

What is the origin of the word "Contortion"?

"Contortion" comes from Middle English, from Latin contortus, past participle of contorquēre, from com- + torquēre to twist torture:1. First known use: 15th centuryt.

What is another word for "Contortion" meaning "the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition"?

When "Contortion" (noun) means the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition, synonyms include deformation, distortion, misshaping, screwing, squinching and torturing.