View synonyms for

writhing

[ rahy-thing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

twisting about or squirming, as from pain, violent effort, uncontrolled passion, etc.:
I saw a big red-tailed hawk carry a writhing blacksnake across the sky.
feeling or expressing acute mental discomfort or distress:
His words were a writhing mix of anger and confusion and he didn't spare her any of it.

noun

an act or instance of twisting about or squirming:
The writhing of these fly larvae around their food looks rather strange, but it turns out there's a reason for their wriggling.
the state of feeling or act of expressing acute mental discomfort or distress:
Perpetual fear and mistrust, inner pain, or the writhing of conscience may render a human existence worse than death.

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Other Word Forms

�ɰ��ٳ�·��Բ�·�� adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of writhing¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; writh(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; writh(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Perfect Celebrity” and “Disease” had her writhing in a shallow grave surrounded by the undead.

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They found Ms Marshall still conscious and writhing around in "extreme pain" on the floor of the living room, which was covered in black smoke.

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Moments later, the cat lays purring and writhing on the ground until it "dies".

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Viral videos of them writhing in pain before being taken for medical treatment sparked a renewed debate over their treatment by authorities in Nigeria, as well as the length of their detention.

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Four young suspects - who were arrested during major anti-government protests in August - collapsed on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain before being removed to get medical help.

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writhen writing

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