warp
warp Lexical Profile
warp Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To become or cause to become bent or twisted out of shape, typically as a result of the effects of heat, dampness, or pressure.
"If you leave the acoustic guitar in a humid basement, the wooden neck will eventually warp."
To cause to behave in a deviant, abnormal, or distorted manner (especially of a person's mind, judgment, or morality).
"Growing up in such a toxic and manipulative environment can completely warp a child's sense of right and wrong."
To move (a ship) along by hauling on a rope that is attached to a stationary object ashore.
"The experienced crew had to warp the heavy vessel into the dock during the severe crosswind."
• noun
A twist or distortion in the shape or form of an object, typically caused by heat, dampness, or structural stress.
"The carpenter noticed a severe warp in the timber, making it entirely unsuitable for building the door frame."
A distortion or abnormality in a person's character, mind, or judgment.
"His extreme isolation produced a psychological warp that made it difficult for him to trust anyone."
The set of lengthwise threads on a loom that are held in tension to allow the crossing weft threads to be woven through them.
"In traditional textile weaving, the warp must be incredibly strong to withstand continuous tension without breaking."
• Rhymes for warp
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'warpen', from Old English 'weorpan' meaning 'to throw'. The weaving sense derives from the 'throwing' of threads across a loom, while the meaning of 'twisting or bending out of shape' developed later, likely relating to the tension of stretched threads.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.