Question

contort The governor's explanation of his affair was so contorted that it only made matters worse for him. kənˈtɔrt

Accepted Answer

To twist in a violent manner. Circus contortionists are known for twisting their bodies into pretzels; such contortions tend to be easier for females than for males, and much easier for the young than for the old. When trying to say something uncomfortable or dishonest, people often go through verbal contortions. But when someone else “twists” something you said or did, we usually say instead that they've distorted it

word	contort
definition	To twist in a violent manner.
eg_sentence	The governor's explanation of his affair was so contorted that it only made matters worse for him.
explanation	Circus contortionists are known for twisting their bodies into pretzels; such contortions tend to be easier for females than for males, and much easier for the young than for the old. When trying to say something uncomfortable or dishonest, people often go through verbal contortions. But when someone else “twists” something you said or did, we usually say instead that they've distorted it
IPA	kənˈtɔrt

Easier Contort Twist Violent Manner Governor's Explanation Affair