screw

\ 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 cursescrew 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