double over

Fold from laughter

To double over is to bend sharply at the waist, typically from pain or laughter.

Someone doubles over when cramping, punched in the stomach, or convulsed with hilarity: She doubled over laughing at his impression.

The posture suggests involuntary folding—the body literally doubling on itself.

pain

cramp

Painful muscle seizure

winceReflexive recoil from distress
grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox

spasm · ache · agony · gut punch · convulse · keel · groan · stomach · writhe · curl up

laughter

giggle

Soft, silly vocalization

guffawBoisterous burst of mirth
cackleHarsh, shrill laugh
howlProlonged mournful cry

chortle · belly laugh · roar · snort · sidesplitting · hilarity · convulse · crack up · hysterics · wheeze

folding

bend

Curve or flex

creaseLine from folding
foldBend onto itself
tuckFold into concealment

collapse · hinge · jackknife · crumple · buckle · curl · stoop · hunch · crouch · contract

Categories

body movementsflexion, bend, twist, standing, extension
collapsecollapse, cave in, cave-in, fall in, give way
laughterlaugh, giggling, chuckling, laughing, snickering

Opposites

body posture/position

double overstraighten up

Organize or stand erect

stand tall · unbend · sit up straight · stretch out · extend

physical response/reaction

double overspread out

Extended over distance

open up · expand · stretch · sprawl

physical reaction

double overhold steady

Remain constant, unmoved

stand firm · steel oneself · stiffen

Family

over, double, duplicate, doubled, doubling, doubles, duplicated, redouble, doublet

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G