writhe

/raɪð/ (bre, ipa) · [rˈɪθ] /raɪð/ (ame, ipa) · [rˈɪθ] /ˈrīt͟h How to pronounce writhe (audio)/ (ame, mw)

writhe — verb

  • writhepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • writheshe / she / it
  • writhedpast simple
  • writhing-ing form

1. to twist your body violently from side to side when severe physical pain makes i

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to twist your body violently from side to side when severe physical pain makes it impossible to stay still

例句

Yan writhed on the floor after twisting his ankle during the basketball game.

writhe + adverb/preposition of place

The injured dog writhed in pain when Padma tried to examine its paw.

writhe + in + noun for the pain source

同義詞
  • squirm

    less violent movement, often from discomfort rather than severe pain

  • wriggle

    smaller, quicker twisting movements; can be playful, not necessarily painful

  • twist

    broader meaning; twisting can be gentle or deliberate, not always from pain

文法句型

writhe + in/with + noun (pain, agony, cramps)

用法筆記

Often followed by 'in' or 'with' plus a noun describing the source of the pain or discomfort. The subject is usually a living creature — a person or an animal.

常見錯誤

❌He writhed of pain.
✅He writhed in pain.
💡Use 'in' or 'with', not 'of', to introduce the cause.

2. to feel extremely embarrassed, ashamed, or uncomfortable because of a difficult

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to feel extremely embarrassed, ashamed, or uncomfortable because of a difficult situation that you cannot escape

例句

Diego writhed with embarrassment when his boss read his private note aloud in the meeting.

writhe + with + noun (embarrassment, shame)

Kevin writhed inside as his mother described his childhood mistakes to his new girlfriend.

同義詞
  • cringe

    more common, less intense; describes a brief reaction rather than sustained distress

  • squirm

    similar intensity but slightly less formal; also used for physical discomfort

文法句型

writhe + in/with + noun (embarrassment, shame, humiliation)

用法筆記

Common in literary or formal contexts. The discomfort is psychological rather than physical — use this sense for social or emotional pain.

常見錯誤

❌She writhed in shame for breaking the vase.' (physical pain suggested)
✅She writhed in shame when her secret was revealed at the party.
💡Use this sense only for emotional/embarrassing situations, not guilt about minor accidents.