wriþan

wriþan is an Old English verb meaning to twist, writhe, or turn. It belongs to the strong verb class, specifically the second class, indicating its conjugation pattern. In modern English, the direct descendant of wriþan is "writhe," which retains the core meaning of twisting or writhing, often associated with pain or discomfort. However, wriþan had a broader semantic range in Old English.

Beyond the physical act of twisting, wriþan could also refer to the metaphorical twisting of something, such as twisting words or a story. It could also describe the winding or coiling of objects, like snakes or ropes. The past tense of wriþan is wrāþ, and the past participle is wriþen. This verb is found in various Old English texts, including epic poetry and religious prose, demonstrating its common usage in the language. Its influence can be seen in modern English vocabulary, primarily through its direct descendant, "writhe," but also in related words that share a similar root. The concept of twisting and turning is fundamental to many descriptive passages in Old English literature, making wriþan a significant verb in understanding the nuances of the language.