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v. warped, warp·ing, warps v.tr. 1. To turn or twist (wood, for example) out of shape; deform. 2. To alter from a normal, proper, or healthy state; twist or pervert: "He was ruthlessly vindictive and allowed personal grudges to warp his political perspective" (Julian E. Zelizer). See Synonyms at distort. 3. To arrange strands of yarn or thread lengthwise onto (a loom) in preparation for weaving. 4. Nautical To move (a vessel) by hauling on a line that is fastened to or around a piling, anchor, or pier. v.intr. 1. To become bent or twisted out of shape: The wooden frame warped in the humidity. 2. To become altered from what is normal, proper, or healthy. 3. Nautical To move a vessel by hauling on a line that is fastened to or around a piling, anchor, or pier. n. 1. The state of being twisted or bent out of shape. 2. A distortion or twist, especially in a piece of wood. 3. A mental or moral twist, aberration, or deviation. 4. The threads that run lengthwise in a woven fabric, crossed at right angles to the woof. 5. Warp and woof. 6. Nautical A towline used in warping a vessel. [Middle English werpen, from Old English weorpan, to throw away; see wer-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] warper n. |
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