writhings
Agonized body twists
Writhings are twisting, squirming movements, typically from pain, discomfort, or intense emotion.
The word suggests contorted, serpentine motion—a body that cannot be still: the writhings of a wounded animal, She watched his writhings with detached curiosity.
Figuratively, writhings can describe anguished mental states: the writhings of a guilty conscience.
Extreme physical or emotional pain
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- excruciatingCausing extreme suffering
throes · convulsions · cramps · spasms · contractions · paroxysms · seizures · cramping
Twist from discomfort
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- coilWound circular arrangement
- wriggleTwisting, snakelike movement
- contortTwist unnaturally
undulate · convulse · thrash · flail · spasm · slither · gyrate · jerk
Twisting restlessly from discomfort
- fidgetingRestless minor movements
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- restlessnessState of unease
- twitchingInvoluntary muscular contractions
prickling · tingling · crawling · creeping · uneasiness · irritation · sensitivity · squirminess
agony
Extreme physical or emotional pain
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
excruciating · throes · convulsions · cramps · spasms · contractions · paroxysms · seizures · cramping · clenching
squirm
Twist from discomfort
contort · undulate · convulse · thrash · flail · spasm · slither · gyrate · jerk · twitch
squirming
Twisting restlessly from discomfort
- fidgetingRestless minor movements
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- restlessnessState of unease
twitching · prickling · tingling · crawling · creeping · uneasiness · irritation · sensitivity · squirminess · wriggling
resistance
Capacity to withstand force
- strainingExerting intense effort
- fightingEngaging in physical conflict
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
wrestling · thrashing · flailing · battling · contending · striving · laboring · toiling · exertion · effort
anguish
Intense mental suffering
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
despair · grief · heartache · suffering · agitation · inner · guilt · shame · remorse · mortification
writhingsstillness
Complete lack of motion
motionlessness · immobility · stasis · inertness · rigidity
writhingsrepose
Peaceful stillness or calm
rest · relaxation · ease · tranquility · composure