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wrench Definition

wrench (renc̸h)

noun

  1. a sudden, sharp twist or pull
  2. an injury caused by a twist or jerk, as to the back, a joint, etc.
  3. a sudden feeling of grief, anguish, etc., as at parting with someone
  4. any of a number of tools used for holding and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.
  5. a false or strained interpretation of an original meaning

Etymology: ME < OE wrenc, a trick, deceit; akin to Ger ränke, a bend, twist < IE *wreng- < base *wer-, to twist, turn > worm

transitive verb

  1. to twist, pull, or jerk suddenly and violently
  2. to injure (a part of the body) with a twist or wrench
  3. to distort, strain, or give a false interpretation of (a meaning, statement, etc.)

intransitive verb

to pull or tug (at something) with a wrenching movement

wrench Synonyms

wrench

n.

  1. A violent twist

    jerk, strain, sprain, tug, pull, dislodgment, extrication, dislocation.

  2. A tool

    Kinds of wrenches include: monkey, single-head, double-head, pipe, Stillson, crescent, sparkplug, hubcap, flat, S-socket, connecting-rod, bearing, persuader*, knuckle-buster*, breakout*, old Maud*;

wrench Synonyms

wrench

v.

wrench Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • tap: I use a small pin vise to hold small taps, not a tap wrench.
  • throw: Jason, we don't need no wrench thrown into the works!
  • operate: All models are supplied in steel storage case or tray and are suitable for use with air impact guns and air operated ratchet wrenches.
  • use: Use the wrench or your fingers to remove the nuts.

Followed by an intransitive particle

off: Now, in my experience, things never exactly slide off anything, more like needing to be wrenched off with brute force.

Adjective modifier

  • allen: Using the allen wrench, turn the left adjustment bolt clockwise 1/4 of a turn.
  • adjustable: Useful as a portable small vise and adjustable wrench at a pinch.
  • huge: Databases are rather picky creatures; one key letter read wrong by the database creator can throw a huge monkey wrench into your search.
  • real: COMMENTS: With some classes it can be a real wrench saying goodbye at the end of a long course.
  • big: Especially if he had a big wrench, eh?
  • great: Many people have found it a lot easier to admire the abstract steel constructions which marked his greatest wrench from the past.

Modifying Another Word

  • apart: A few miles away, a family who have everything are wrenched apart by a tragic accident.
  • away: The mudguard snapped into two pieces, and all three fixing points were wrenched away, leaving three large tears.
  • heart: It was hard work, it was hot work, it was heart wrenching yet extremely rewarding.

Noun used with modifier

  • ratchet: All models are supplied in steel storage case or tray and are suitable for use with air impact guns and air operated ratchet wrenches.
  • torque: They even used a torque wrench to ensure my alloy wheel bolts were set correctly.
  • hex: A 4mm hex wrench will fit all bolts on the stems.
  • lug: I often carry a small pipe, which will fit over the lug wrench.
  • monkey: He loved to play villains who came onstage always at the worst moment, throwing a monkey wrench into the plot.
  • socket: Some various length extensions for the socket wrench are a godsend here.

Browse dictionary entries near wrench

  1. wren
  2. wrecking bar
  3. wrecking
  4. wrecker
  5. wrecked
  6. wreckage
  7. wreck
  8. wreathe
  9. wreath
  10. wreak
  1. wrest
  2. wrestle
  3. wrestler
  4. wrestling
  5. wrestling match
  6. wretch
  7. wretched
  8. wretchedness
  9. wrick
  10. wriggle