bent

In a physical sense, this word evokes a loss of structural integrity or a deliberate change in form, often implying tension or force. It suggests a deviation from a straight line, whether that change is permanent or temporary. When applied to character or inclination, the word shifts from physical geometry to psychological or moral direction. In British slang, it suggests a "crooked" moral compass, while as a noun, it describes a mental lean toward a specific interest or skill.