twist
twist Lexical Profile
twist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of turning something around a stationary point, or the state of being wound, coiled, or bent out of shape.
"With a quick twist of the wrist, she opened the stubborn jar lid."
An unexpected, surprising, or significant development in a story, situation, or series of events.
"The mystery novel featured a shocking plot twist in the final chapter that no one saw coming."
Something formed by winding or curling, such as a curled strip of citrus peel added to a beverage or a braided pastry.
"He ordered a glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon."
A lively popular dance of the 1960s performed by swiveling the hips and feet while rotating the arms.
"At the retro-themed party, guests crowded the floor to dance the twist to classic rock-and-roll music."
• verb
To form into a bent, curling, or distorted shape by turning the ends in opposite directions, or to wind strands together.
"The electrician began to twist the copper wires together before securing them with a cap."
To injure a joint, such as an ankle or wrist, by wrenching or turning it suddenly and unnaturally.
"She stepped into a hidden hole on the trail and managed to twist her ankle."
To misrepresent, distort, or alter the true meaning of words, facts, or intentions.
"A skilled debater should rely on sound logic rather than trying to twist an opponent's words."
To move or progress in a winding, curving, or serpentine course.
"The narrow mountain road continues to twist and climb through the dense pine forest."
• Rhymes for twist
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'twist', meaning a rope made of two strands or a forked branch, ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic root related to 'two' (*twai).