ETYM Latin contortus, p. p. of contorquere to twist; con- + torquere to twist. Related to Torture.
To twist and press out of shape; SYN. deform, distort, wring.

1. To twist out of the true meaning or proportion
2. To twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition ; also; to cause to be perceived unnaturally
3. Pervert
4. To become distorted; also; to cause a twisting from the true, natural, or normal

1. To turn in the opposite direction
2. To form into a spiral shape; SYN. distort.
3. To form into twists
4. To turn suddenly so as to sprain; SYN. sprain, wrench, turn, wrick, rick.
5. To change the meaning of; SYN. twist around, pervert, convolute, sophisticate.
6. To do the dance called the twist.

(Homonym: ring).
(Irregular preterit, past participle: wrung).
To twist and compress, as if in pain or anguish; SYN. wrench.