Link Centre Dictionary

wrench

UK/ˈɹent͡ʃ/ US/ˈɹɛnt͡ʃ/ fairly common uk us
verb (4) noun (3)

verb

1.

twist or pull violently or suddenly, especially so as to remove (something) from that to which it is attached or from where it originates

  • “wrench a window off its hinges”
  • “wrench oneself free from somebody”
  • “;”
Synonyms
2.
3.

twist and compress, as if in pain or anguish

  • “Wring one”
Synonyms
4.

twist suddenly so as to sprain

  • “wrench one”
  • “;”
  • “;”
  • “;”
  • “t walk for several days”
Synonyms

noun

1.

a sharp strain on muscles or ligaments

  • “the wrench to his knee occurred as he fell”
  • “he was sidelined with a hamstring pull”
Synonyms
2.
3.

a hand tool that is used to hold or twist a nut or bolt

Synonyms

Origin

From Middle English wrench, from Old English wrenċ, from Proto-Germanic *wrankiz, from Proto-Indo-European *wreng- (“to turn”). Compare German Rank (“plot, intrigue”).

Phrases

  • adjustable wrench
  • Allen wrench
  • alligator wrench
  • bed wrench
  • bicycle wrench
  • crescent wrench
  • dog bone wrench

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.