twist*/

[twɪst] verb I

1) [I/T] to bend or turn into a different shape, or to force something out of its original shape by bending it or turning it

The force of the explosion had twisted the metal.[/ex]

2) [T] to turn something in a circle with your hands or fingers

Kathryn sat anxiously twisting a handkerchief in her hands.[/ex]

3) [T] to injure a part of your body by suddenly bending it too much

I've twisted my ankle so I won't be able to play.[/ex]

4) [T] to change the intended meaning of something slightly, so that it means what you want it to mean

You're twisting my words.[/ex]

5) [I] if a road or river twists, it has a lot of bends in it

The path twists and turns up the mountainside.[/ex]

•

twist sb's arm — informal to persuade someone to do something that they do not want to do[/ex]

II

noun [C]

twist [twɪst]

1) a sudden unexpected change in a situation

This is the final tragic twist in a long story.[/ex]

2) a bend in a road or river

The island roads are full of twists and turns.[/ex]

3) a movement in which you turn something

With a twist of his wrist, he untied the ropes.[/ex]