n.
Pronunciation: ' twist
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch twisten, from twist twine, discord, quarrel; akin to Old English -twist (in candeltwist candlesnuffers, mæsttwist twin support for a mast), Middle English twisten to be forked, Middle High German zwist quarrel, Old English twi- twi-
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 a : to unite by winding < twist ing strands together> b : to make by twisting strands together < twist thread from yarn> c : to mingle by interlacing
2 : TWINE , COIL
3 a : to wring or wrench so as to dislocate or distort especially : SPRAIN < twist ed my ankle> b : to alter the meaning of : DISTORT , PERVERT < twist ed the facts> c : CONTORT < twist ed his face into a grin> d : to pull off, turn, or break by torsion < twist the nut off the bolt> e : to cause to move with a turning motion < twist ed her chair to face the fire> f : to form into a spiral shape g : to cause to take on moral, mental, or emotional deformity <celebrity has twist ed their sense of decorum> h : to make (one's way) in a winding or devious manner to a destination or objective
intransitive verb
1 : to follow a winding course : SNAKE
2 a : to turn or change shape under torsion b : to assume a spiral shape c : SQUIRM , WRITHE d : to dance the twist
3 of a ball : to rotate while taking a curving path or direction
4 : TURN 3A < twist ed around to see behind him>
– twist in the wind : to be left to face a difficult situation without support or help
– twist one's arm : to bring strong pressure to bear on one