wriggle
UK: ˈrɪɡ(ə)l | US: ˈrɪɡəl
vi. to twist and turn the body or a part of it with quick, writhing movements
vt. to move something with such motions
n. a wriggling movement
wriggle = wrig<twist> + gle<frequentative verb suffix>
- wrig (from Middle English wrigglen, related to Old English wrigian "to turn, bend")
- gle (a frequentative suffix indicating repeated or small actions, as in jiggle, wiggle)
Etymology Origin:
The word wriggle traces back to Old English wrigian, meaning "to turn or bend," combined with the frequentative suffix -gle, which suggests repetitive motion. This mirrors similar formations like wiggle and jiggle, all conveying small, twisting movements. The evolution highlights how English uses suffixes to nuance root meanings—here, transforming "to bend" into "to repeatedly twist."
The fish managed to wriggle free from the net.
She tried to wriggle out of her responsibilities.
The toddler wriggled with excitement during the song.
A worm wriggled through the damp soil.
He wriggled his fingers to relieve the stiffness.