kənˈtȯ(ə)rt, -ȯ(ə)t, usu -d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin contortus, past participle of contorquēre to twist, from com- + torquēre to twist — more at torture
transitive verb
: to twist or twist together especially in a strained or violent manner : turn awry : bend , distort
branches that had been contorted and gnarled by years of struggle to survive — New Yorker
contort spelling and grammar
intransitive verb
: to twist into a strained shape or expression (as from pain or violent feeling)
his face would contort in a grimace at the heat — D.C.Jenkins
fine features hardened and contorted with rage
Synonyms: see deform