First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1twist
verb \ˈtwist\
: to bend or turn (something) in order to change its shape
: to bend or turn (something) into a shape or position that is not normal or natural
: to turn (something) in a circular motion with your hand
Full Definition of TWIST
transitive verb
1
a : to unite by winding <twisting strands together> b : to make by twisting strands together <twist thread from yarn> c : to mingle by interlacing
3
a : to wring or wrench so as to dislocate or distort; especially : sprain <twisted my ankle> b : to alter the meaning of : distort, pervert <twisted the facts> c : contort <twisted his face into a grin> d : to pull off, turn, or break by torsion <twist the nut off the bolt> e : to cause to move with a turning motion <twisted her chair to face the fire> f : to form into a spiral shape g : to cause to take on moral, mental, or emotional deformity <celebrity has twisted their sense of decorum> h : to make (one's way) in a winding or devious manner to a destination or objective
intransitive verb
1
: to follow a winding course : snake
2
3
of a ball : to rotate while taking a curving path or direction
4
: turn 3a <twisted around to see behind him>
— twist in the wind
: to be left to face a difficult situation without support or help
— twist one's arm
: to bring strong pressure to bear on one
See twist defined for English-language learners
See twist defined for kids
Origin of TWIST
Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch twisten, from twist twine, discord, quarrel; akin to Old English -twist (in candeltwist candlesnuffers, mæsttwist twin support for a mast), Middle English twisten to be forked, Middle High German zwist quarrel, Old English twi- twi-
2twist
noun
: an act of turning or twisting
: a turn, curve, or bend in a road, river, etc.
: an unexpected or strange occurrence
Full Definition of TWIST
1
2
a : an act of twisting : the state of being twisted b : a dance performed with strenuous gyrations especially of the hips c : the spin given the ball in any of various games d : a spiral turn or curve e (1) : torque or torsional stress applied to a body (as a rod or shaft) (2) : torsional strain (3) : the angle through which a thing is twisted
3
a : a turning off a straight course b : eccentricity, idiosyncrasy c : a distortion of meaning or sense
4
5
: a front or back dive in which the diver twists sideways a half or full turn before entering the water
— twisty \ˈtwis-tē\ adjective
See twist defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TWIST
1555
TWIST ONE'S ARM Defined for Kids
1twist
verb \ˈtwist\
twist·edtwist·ing
Definition of TWIST for Kids
1
: to turn a part of the body around <She twisted in her seat.>
2
: to follow a winding course <The path twisted between the trees.>
3
: to form into an unnatural shape : contort <The girl twists her face.>
4
: to unite by winding one thread, strand, or wire around another
5
: 2twine 2
6
: to turn so as to sprain or hurt <He twisted his ankle.>
7
: to pull off, rotate, or break by a turning force <You can twist a flower from its stem.>
8
: to turn (something) in a circular motion with the hand <Twist off the cap.>
9
: to change the meaning of <You're twisting my words; that's not what I meant.>
2twist
noun
Definition of TWIST for Kids
1
: something that has been turned upon itself, coiled, or rotated <twists of rope>
2
: an act of turning with force, coiling, or rotating : the state of being turned with force, coiled, or rotated
3
: a spiral turn or curve
4
: a turn or development that is both surprising and strange
5
: an act of changing the meaning
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