twisted

twisted — adjective

1. describing an object that has been forced into an unnatural shape by being turne

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing an object that has been forced into an unnatural shape by being turned or pulled, so that its original form is no longer intact or usable.

Example

After the fire, the twisted metal frame of the car was barely recognisable.

collocation: twisted metal

The old railway tracks lay twisted and broken after the earthquake struck the region.

Common collocations
  • twisted metal
  • twisted wire
  • twisted shape
  • twisted frame
  • twisted branches
Synonyms
  • bent

    less extreme; something can be bent without being permanently damaged

  • warped

    suggests distortion from heat or dampness, often of wood or plastic

  • deformed

    more permanent and severe than twisted; used for body parts or objects that no longer have a normal shape

Antonyms
  • straight

    the opposite of bent or curved

  • unbent

    not twisted or curved, often used in technical contexts

Grammar Patterns

twisted + noun

be + twisted

Usage Note

Commonly used with objects made of metal, plastic, wood, or other materials that can bend under force. Often appears in descriptions of damage from accidents, fires, or natural disasters.

Common Mistakes

The ropes were twisted together into a knot.
The ropes were tangled together into a knot.
'twisted' describes a single item bent out of shape; use 'tangled' when multiple items are intertwined in a messy way.

2. describing a part of the body, such as a wrist or ankle, that has been hurt by b

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing a part of the body, such as a wrist or ankle, that has been hurt by being turned or bent in a sudden awkward movement, causing pain and swelling.

Example

Walid could not play football because of his twisted ankle from the match.

collocation: twisted ankle

Élise felt a sharp pain in her twisted wrist and went to see a doctor.

Common collocations
  • twisted ankle
  • twisted wrist
  • twisted knee
  • twisted shoulder
  • twisted finger
Synonyms
  • sprained

    the standard medical term for a stretched or torn ligament, more formal than twisted

  • wrenched

    suggests a more sudden, forceful twist causing greater pain

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

twisted + body part

body part + be + twisted

Usage Note

Used specifically for joints and limbs that can be bent or turned. Unlike the medical term 'sprained', 'twisted' is less formal and does not specify the severity of ligament damage. Not used for internal organs or bones that have completely broken.

Common Mistakes

She twisted her arm when she fell — it is broken.
She twisted her arm when she fell
it is sprained.' — when describing an injury, 'twisted' is an adjective describing the mechanism, not a medical diagnosis; use 'sprained' for ligament damage.

3. odd or abnormal in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, shocked, or that som

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

odd or abnormal in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, shocked, or that something is morally wrong, often involving cruelty or a strange mindset.

Example

The movie had a twisted ending that left the audience feeling deeply unsettled.

collocation: twisted ending

Hugo told such a twisted story about revenge that everyone fell silent.

Common collocations
  • twisted sense of humour
  • twisted ending
  • twisted logic
  • twisted plot
  • twisted mind
  • twisted scheme
Synonyms
  • warped

    very similar to twisted; suggests a mind or outlook that has been corrupted

  • perverted

    stronger than twisted; implies deliberate moral corruption, often sexual

  • disturbed

    focuses on mental or emotional unhealthiness rather than cruelty

Antonyms
  • wholesome

    morally good and healthy, especially of entertainment or humour

  • normal

    not strange or unusual in any way

Grammar Patterns

twisted + noun

be + twisted

Usage Note

Used figuratively to describe stories, ideas, humour, personalities, or plans. Does not describe physical objects. The closest literal sense would be sense 1 (DEFORMED), but this sense is purely psychological or moral in meaning.

Common Mistakes

The building had a twisted design that looked strange.
The building had an unusual design that looked strange.
'twisted' in this sense is used for human behaviour and ideas, not for creative architecture.