# writhing

/ˈɹaɪðɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈaɪðɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/writhing
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

moving your body in a twisting, painful way. You use this when someone is hurting or when something is moving in a wild, snake-like motion.

For teachers: moving the body in a twisting, convulsive, or serpentine manner. Often describes physical distress or the undulating motion of certain animals.

## Examples

- The injured animal was writhing in pain on the grass.
- The crowd watched in horror as the victim was writhing on the ground after being stung by a scorpion.
- The dancer's writhing movements were intended to evoke the primal, uncontrollable forces of nature, leaving the audience both mesmerized and slightly unsettled.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.