crooked
UK: ˈkrʊkɪd | US: ˈkrʊkɪd
adj. bent or twisted out of shape; not straight
adj. dishonest or illegal
v. (past tense of "crook") bent or curved something
The word "crooked" originates from the Old Norse "krókr," meaning "hook" or "bend," which passed into Middle English as "crook." The suffix "-ed" was added to form the past participle or adjective, implying a state of being bent or twisted. Over time, it gained figurative meanings like "dishonest," drawing from the idea of moral or literal deviation from straightness.
The old tree had a crooked trunk after years of wind damage.
He walked with a crooked cane due to his injury.
The politician was accused of crooked dealings.
She crooked her finger to beckon him closer.
The picture hung crookedly on the wall.