twist

To turn parts of something in opposite directions so that it changes shape.

• Twist the cloth to squeeze out the water.
• She twisted the wet towel with both hands.
• He twisted the wires together.

How to use it: twist something together (Twist the two ends together to secure the bag.)

Similar words: wind, wring

Opposites: untwist

Common phrases: twist a towel, twist something tight, twist something together, twist a rope

To bend or move into a curved, curled, or awkward shape.

• The heat twisted the metal frame.
• Her face twisted in pain.
• The branches twist into strange shapes as they grow.

How to use it: twist something into something (She twisted the wire into a spiral.); twist in something (He twisted in pain on the ground.)

Similar words: contort, bend, writhe

Opposites: straighten

Common phrases: twist into something, twist out of shape, twist your body

An unexpected change in a story or situation.

• The story has a surprising twist.
• Nobody expected the final twist in the film.
• The investigation took another strange twist yesterday.

How to use it: a twist in something (There was an unexpected twist in the investigation.)

Similar words: turn, development

Common phrases: plot twist, unexpected twist, twist in something

Metal made by winding iron and steel together and joining them, formerly used for gun barrels.

• The gunsmith examined the Damascus twist.
• Iron and steel were joined to produce twist.
• The old gun had barrels made of twist.

Common phrases: Damascus twist, twist barrels