First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1warp
noun \ˈwȯrp\
: a twist or curve in something that is usually flat or straight
: the threads that run up and down on a loom or in a woven fabric
Full Definition of WARP
1
a : a series of yarns extended lengthwise in a loom and crossed by the weft b : foundation, base <the warp of the economic structure is agriculture — American Guide Series: North Carolina>
2
: a rope for warping or mooring a ship or boat
3
[2warp] a : a twist or curve that has developed in something originally flat or straight <a warp in a door panel> b : a mental aberration
— warp·age \ˈwȯr-pij\ noun
See warp defined for English-language learners
See warp defined for kids
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Origin of WARP
Middle English, from Old English wearp; akin to Old High German warf warp, Old English weorpan to throw, Old Norse verpa
Related to WARP
- Synonyms
- basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, underpinning, base, warp and woof
2warp
verb
: to twist or bend (something) into a different shape
: to cause (a person's opinions, thoughts, etc.) to be changed in a way that is wrong or unnatural
Full Definition of WARP
transitive verb
1
: to arrange (yarns) so as to form a warp
2
3
: to move (as a ship) by hauling on a line attached to a fixed object
intransitive verb
1
: to become warped
See warp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WARP
14th century
Related to WARP
Synonym Discussion of WARP
deform, distort, contort, warp means to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting. deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth <a face deformed by hatred>. distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result <the odd camera angle distorts the figure> <disease had contorted her body>. warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane <warped floorboards>.
WARP Defined for Kids
1warp
noun \ˈwȯrp\
Definition of WARP for Kids
1
: the threads that go lengthwise in a loom and are crossed by the woof
2
: a twist or curve that has developed in something once flat or straight
2warp
verb
warpedwarp·ing
Definition of WARP for Kids
1
: to curve or twist out of shape <Dampness caused the book to warp.>
2
: to cause to judge, choose, or act wrongly <Their thinking is warped by greed.>
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