twist Syllabification: (twist)Pronunciation: /twist/Translate twist | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of twist verb [with object] 1form into a bent, curling, or distorted shape:a strip of metal is twisted to form a hollow tube her pretty features twisted into a fearsome expression form (something) into a particular shape by taking hold of one or both ends and turning them:she twisted her handkerchief into a knot turn or bend into a specified position or in a specified direction:he grabbed the man and twisted his arm behind his back (twist something off) remove something by pulling and rotating it:beets can be stored once the leaves have been twisted off [no object] move one’s body so that the shoulders and hips are facing in different directions:she twisted in her seat to look at the buildings [no object] move in a wriggling or writhing fashion:he twisted himself free injure (a joint) by wrenching it:he twisted his ankle trying to avoid his opponent’s lunge distort or misrepresent the meaning of (words):he twisted my words to make it seem that I’d claimed she was a drug addict 2cause to rotate around something that remains stationary; turn:she twisted her ring around and around on her finger wind around or through something:she twisted a lock of hair around her finger move or cause to move around each other; interlace:she twisted her hands together nervously the machine twists together strands to make a double yarn make (something) by interlacing or winding strands together. [no object] take or have a winding course:the road twisted through a dozen tiny villages 3 [no object] dance the twist. 4British informal cheat; defraud. noun 1an act of turning something so that it moves in relation to something that remains stationary:the taps needed a single twist to turn them on an act of turning one’s body or part of one’s body:with a sudden twist, she got away from him (the twist) a dance with a twisting movement of the body, popular in the 1960s. the extent of twisting of a rod or other object. force producing twisting; torque. forward motion combined with rotation about an axis. the rifling in the bore of a gun:barrels with a 1:24 inch twist 2a thing with a spiral shape:a licorice twist a curled piece of lemon peel used to flavor a drink. 3a distorted shape:he had a cruel twist to his mouth an unusual feature of a person’s personality, typically an unhealthy one. 4a point at which something turns or bends:the car negotiated the twists and turns of the mountain road an unexpected development of events:it was soon time for the next twist of fate in his extraordinary career a new treatment or outlook; a variation:she takes conventional subjects and gives them a twist 5a fine strong thread consisting of twisted strands of cotton or silk. 6British a drink consisting of two ingredients mixed together. 7a carpet with a tightly curled pile. Phrases twist someone's arm informal persuade someone to do something that they are or might be reluctant to do. twist in the wind be left in a state of suspense or uncertainty. twist someone around one's little finger see little finger. twists and turns intricate or convoluted dealings or circumstances:the twists and turns of her political careerOrigin: Old English (as a noun), of Germanic origin; probably from the base of twin and twine. Current verb senses date from late Middle Englishtwist in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of twist in the British & World English dictionary
