Contort Meaning in English
word
Definition
To twist out of its normal shape, often in a violent or unnatural way. This can refer to physical bodies or to facial expressions.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with 'face' (contort one's face) or 'body'. Implies extreme twisting or distortion, not gentle movement. More formal/literary than everyday speech; colloquial alternatives include 'twist', 'wrinkle', 'scrunch up' (for face).
Spanish: contorsionar - retorcerPortuguese (BR): contorcer - deformarPortuguese (PT): contorcer - distorcerChinese (Simplified): 扭曲 - 扭动Chinese (Traditional): 扭曲 - 扭動Hindi: मरोड़ना - विकृत करनाArabic: يلوّي - يشوّهBengali: বিকৃত করা - মোচড়ানোRussian: искажать - корчить - выкручиватьJapanese: ねじ曲げる - ゆがめるVietnamese: vặn vẹo - làm méo móKorean: 비틀다 - 일그러뜨리다Turkish: bükmek - çarpıtmakUrdu: مروڑنا - بگاڑناIndonesian: memelintir - memutar
Example Sentences
The metal bar began to contort under pressure.
basic
Yoga helps some people learn to contort their bodies.
basic
The acrobat's body contorted into positions I didn't think were possible.
natural
His features contorted with pain as he twisted his ankle.
natural
He tried not to contort his face while eating the sour lemon.
basic
Her lips contorted in anger when she heard the news.
natural