Meaning & Definition of word "Twist"

Twist

/twɪst/

noun:

  • 1. An act of twisting or the state of being twisted.
    • Example: The twist in the story surprised everyone.
  • 2. A unexpected change in a situation, especially one that is dramatic or surprising.
    • Example: The plot took a surprising twist at the end.
  • 3. A curl or spiral.
    • Example: She wore her hair in a twist for the party.

verb:

  • 1. To turn or bend in the shape of a spiral or curve.
    • Example: She had to twist the cap off the bottle.
  • 2. To change the direction of; to turn aside.
    • Example: He had to twist the steering wheel to avoid the obstacle.
  • 3. To distort or misrepresent the facts.
    • Example: The reporter twisted the story to make it more sensational.

Etymology

Middle English twisten, from Old English twistian 'to twist, turn, wind around'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

twist of fate:

A surprising turn of events that is often unexpected.

give something a twist:

To change or add something to a situation or idea.

twist someone's arm:

To persuade someone to do something they are reluctant to do.

Related Words

twisted:

Made into a spiral or distorted shape.

twisting:

The action or process of turning something in a spiral or rotational movement.

twistable:

Capable of being twisted.

Slang Meanings of twist

Meaning: A surprising or unexpected variation of something

Example Sentence: That movie had a real twist at the end!

Meaning: To manipulate a situation for one's own benefit

Example Sentence: He's good at twisting things in his favor during negotiations.