English edit

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

writhen

  1. (archaic) past participle of writhe

Adjective edit

writhen (comparative more writhen, superlative most writhen)

  1. (archaic) Twisted, contorted.
  2. (archaic) Made or shaped by intertwining; plaited.

Anagrams edit

Middle English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Old English wrīþan. Cognates include Old Swedish vrīþa and Middle High German rīden.

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

writhen

  1. To form or make into a curve or bend; to make bent:
    1. To bend or twist into a circular shape (as a wreath)
    2. To bend or twist as to distort; to writhe or wring.
    3. To bend or twist as to snap or split; to twist out of position.
  2. To writhe; to make a twisting motion (often while in pain)
  3. To move in a twisted or distorted way; to squirm.
  4. To force someone to fall over; to knock over.
  5. To connect two things or enclose one thing in another.
  6. To go or look away; to avoid involvement in an activity or matter.
  7. (rare) To start a behaviour or acquire attributes.
  8. (rare) To twine two things together.
  9. (rare) To be intertwined or twined together.
  10. (rare, surgery) To drill a hole by a twisting motion.

Usage notes edit

Weak forms occasionally appear in this verb, but it generally remains strong.

Conjugation edit

Related terms edit

Descendants edit

  • English: writhe
  • Scots: wryth, writhe

References edit