verdrehen
twist
Etwas in eine andere Richtung drehen oder so ändern, dass es nicht mehr stimmt.
Definition & meaning
Verdrehen is a verb with several related meanings:
-
To twist or turn something out of its usual position or shape.
It often suggests a forceful or awkward movement. For example, someone can twist an ankle or turn a screw. -
To distort or misrepresent information.
Used figuratively, it means presenting facts or someone’s words inaccurately, often in a misleading way. -
To roll one’s eyes.
In the expression die Augen verdrehen , it describes turning the eyes upward or sideways to show irritation, disbelief, or impatience. -
To pressure or coerce someone.
In jemandem den Arm verdrehen , the literal image of twisting someone’s arm is also used figuratively for making someone agree through pressure.
Grammar & Word origin
Verdrehen is a weak, inseparable verb. Its principal forms are verdrehen – verdrehte – hat verdreht. It is usually transitive, taking a direct object, as in twisting or distorting something. It also occurs reflexively in sich den Knöchel verdrehen , “to twist one’s ankle.”
The word combines the prefix ver- with drehen , “to turn” or “to rotate.” Here, ver- can suggest a change that results in something being turned away from its proper position or meaning.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms depend on the sense:
- drehen means “to turn” more generally; verdrehen more strongly suggests twisting, distortion, or an unintended change.
- verzerren means “to distort.” It is especially common for figurative distortion of facts or meaning.
- verformen means “to deform” or “to alter a shape,” with less emphasis on a twisting motion.
There is no single antonym for every meaning. Depending on context, gerade drehen , “to turn straight,” can contrast with the physical sense; richtigstellen , “to correct or set right,” can contrast with the figurative sense of misrepresenting facts.
Common phrases & collocations
- die Wahrheit verdrehen — to distort the truth
- die Worte verdrehen — to twist someone’s words
- die Augen verdrehen — to roll one’s eyes
- sich den Knöchel verdrehen — to twist one’s ankle
- jemandem den Arm verdrehen — literally, to twist someone’s arm; figuratively, to pressure someone into doing something
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Examples
Du verdrehst immer die Tatsachen.verb
You always twist the facts.
Du hast dir beim Tanzen das Knie verdreht.verb
You twisted your knee while dancing.
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