Latin Roots 6. TORT (TORS): "twist"

torsion

act of twisting; stress due to twisting forces exerted on a body

torture (n.)

anguish of body or mind; agony

extort

wrest (money, promises, etc.) from a person by force (literally "twist out")

tortuous

1. full of twists or curves; winding

distort

1. twist out of shape; contort 2. twist out of the true meaning; misrepresent; pervert; falsify

torture (v.)

1. wrench; twist 2. inflict severe pain upon

contortionist

person who can twist his or her body into odd postures

retort (n.)

quick, witty, or cutting reply

retort (v.)

reply quickly or sharply ("twist back")