screw

noun

\ ˈskrü

Definition of screw

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a simple machine of the inclined plane type consisting of a spirally grooved solid cylinder and a correspondingly grooved hollow cylinder into which it fits

b : a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rotating (as with a screwdriver) and used for fastening pieces of solid material together

2a : a screwlike form : spiral

b : a turn of a screw also : a twist like the turn of a screw

c : a screwlike device (such as a corkscrew)

3 : a worn-out horse

4 chiefly British : a small packet (as of tobacco)

5 : a prison guard

6 : a person who bargains shrewdly also : skinflint

7 : a propeller especially of a ship

8a : thumbscrew sense 1

b : pressure or punitive measures intended to coerce —used chiefly in the phrase put the screws on or put the screws to

9a vulgar : an act of sexual intercourse

b vulgar : a partner in sexual intercourse

have a screw loose

: to be mentally unbalanced

screw

verb

screwed; screwing; screws

Definition of screw (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a(1) : to attach, fasten, or close by means of a screw

(2) : to unite or separate by means of a screw or a twisting motion

(3) : to press tightly in a device (such as a vise) operated by a screw

(4) : to operate, tighten, or adjust by means of a screw

(5) : to torture by means of a thumbscrew

b : to cause to rotate spirally about an axis

2a(1) : to twist into strained configurations : contort screwed up his face

(2) : squint

(3) : crumple

b : to furnish with a spiral groove or ridge : thread

3 : to increase the intensity, quantity, or capability of trying to screw up courage to confess— Will Scott

4a(1) : to mistreat or exploit through extortion, trickery, or unfair actions especially : to deprive of or cheat out of something due or expected

(2) : to treat so as to bring about injury or loss (as to a person's reputation) use the available Federal machinery to screw our political enemies— J. W. Dean III —often used as a generalized curse screw you!

b : to extract by pressure or threat

5 vulgar : to copulate with

intransitive verb

1 : to rotate like or as a screw

2 : to turn or move with a twisting or writhing motion

3 vulgar : copulate

Other Words from screw Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about screw

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Examples of screw in a Sentence

Verb

I screwed the boards together. The cupboards are screwed to the wall. Screw the cap on tight. Screw the light bulb into the fixture. The lid screws onto the jar. The light bulb screws right in.