Contortion

Contortion refers to the act or process of twisting or bending something out of its natural or usual shape. This can apply to physical bodies, objects, or even abstract concepts. It implies a distortion or deformation, often to an extreme degree. In a physical context, contortion often involves unnatural postures or movements, stretching the limits of flexibility and range of motion. The term can also describe figurative manipulations of ideas, facts, or words to make them fit a particular narrative or achieve a specific goal, often with deceptive or misleading intent. The degree of contortion varies; some are minor deviations, while others are significant and potentially harmful.

Contortion meaning with examples

• The contortionist amazed the audience with her incredible flexibility, bending her body into seemingly impossible shapes. Her performance was a captivating display of physical artistry and control, leaving the spectators in awe of her unique talent and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human potential. The crowd gasped as she wove and curled her form, a testament to her years of dedicated training and mastery over her own physicality.
• The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of proper form to avoid injury during contortions. She guided the students through various poses, stressing the need to listen to their bodies and avoid forcing movements beyond their comfortable limits. Over time, consistent stretching and mindful contortion helped her students improve their overall well-being and expand their awareness.
• The politician engaged in a linguistic contortion of the truth to justify his unpopular policies. His skillful manipulation of language obfuscated facts and swayed public opinion, but his duplicity was clear to the attentive electorate who saw through his deceptive maneuvers and rhetoric. He turned reality into a twisted pretzel of half-truths, leaving voters more skeptical than ever.
• The earthquake caused a contortion in the metal of the bridge, rendering it unsafe. The force of the quake warped the structure, making it unsafe for transit and requiring immediate repairs before anyone could go near the bridge. The contortion of the metal was evidence of the immense seismic energy involved.
• The artist used contortion as a key concept in their sculptures, giving each piece a distinctive, warped appearance to comment on the instability and ever-shifting nature of contemporary life. The abstract works challenged conventional ideas about beauty and form, inviting viewers to consider the underlying tensions and disruptions that permeate modern society.