Meaning & use

writhing

adjective·Academic

Twisting the body about violently, usually because of severe pain or intense discomfort.

See it in a sentence

The injured player lay writhing on the field until the medics arrived.

Writhing worms filled the bait bucket as the fisherman prepared his hooks.

A note on using this word

Writhing is the present participle of the verb writhe; it can function as an adjective or as part of a continuous verb form.

Words with a similar meaning

squirmingthrashing

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To twist or contort the body, often from pain, embarrassment, or distress.

She writhed in agony after twisting her ankle on the uneven pavement.

Make it your own

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