contort
UK: kənˈtɔːt | US: kənˈtɔːrt
vt. to twist or bend violently or unnaturally
vi. (of the face or body) to twist into an unusual expression or shape
contort = con<together> + tort<twist>
- con (Latin cum): A prefix meaning "together" or "with," often intensifying the action.
- tort (Latin tortus, past participle of torquere): Root meaning "to twist," seen in words like torture (twisting pain) and distort (twist out of shape).
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin contortus (twisted together), contort entered English in the late 15th century via Old French. The root torquere reflects physical twisting, later extending metaphorically to actions or expressions. The prefix con- emphasizes forceful or combined twisting, as in muscles or facial features.
The acrobat contorted her body into a perfect circle.
His face contorted in pain when he stubbed his toe.
The tree roots contorted around the rocks over decades.
She contorted the wire into a makeshift hook.
Political language often contorts the truth.