wrench

verb \ ˈrench \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of wrench

intransitive verb

1 : to move with a violent twist; also : to undergo twisting

2 : to pull or strain at something with violent twisting

transitive verb

1 : to twist violently

2 : to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining

wrenched her back

3 : change; especially : distort, pervert

4 a : to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence

b : to snatch forcibly : wrest

5 : to cause to suffer mental anguish : rack

—

wrenchingly

play \ˈren-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

See wrench defined for English-language learners

See wrench defined for kids

Examples of wrench in a Sentence

I tried to wrench free from his grip.
I tried to wrench myself free from his grip.
He wrenched his back when he tried to lift a heavy box.
She wrenched the toy from his grasp.
The statue was wrenched from its pedestal.

Recent Examples of wrench from the Web

Although not as internationally well-known as Miyazaki, Takahata directed some of Studio Ghibli's most beautiful and original films, from the moving Only Yesterday to the heart-wrenching war drama Grave of the Fireflies.

— sam byford, The Verge, "Studio Ghibli anime legend Isao Takahata dies at 82," 6 Apr. 2018
The chains come off, the brakes fail, the seat adjustment clasps are wrenched off.

— Time, "The Trouble with Sharing: China's Bike Fever Has Reached Saturation Point," 2 Apr. 2018
In two decades of professional soccer, the hulking Swedish striker has played for nine clubs and never failed to wrench the spotlight around to himself.

— joshua robinson, WSJ, "Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Debut in Los Angeles Is a Smash," 1 Apr. 2018
The game: Hearts broke, but Louisville won't let Final Four devastation define record-setting season This was one of those defeats that prompts tears and costs sleep, a gut-wrenching, regret-causing recurring nightmare.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Season ends in gut-wrenching fashion for Louisville at Final Four | Tim Sullivan," 30 Mar. 2018
The two tussled and the second man wrenched away the weapon and shot his assailant, according to police.

— keri blakinger, Houston Chronicle, "HPD: Man shot with his own gun after threatening man at north Houston scrap metal business," 18 Mar. 2018
Loveless is Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s gut-wrenching story of a family breaking apart, while Chilean trans actress Daniela Vega puts on an enthralling performance in A Fantastic Woman, her very first acting role.

— noor brara, Vogue, "Everything You Need to Know About the Oscar Nominees for Best Foreign Language Film," 3 Mar. 2018
Thomas put away his flip-flops, wrenched on and laced up his hiking-boots.

— david fettling, Longreads, "Uncomfortable Silences: A Walk in Myanmar," 29 Mar. 2018
Views of the receding forest, gut-wrenching swells, and warm, bright blue Caribbean water splashing anyone sturdy enough to sit on the outside, stern deck.

— david jefferys, Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Spend 72 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wrench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of wrench

Middle English, from Old English wrencan; akin to Old High German renken to twist and perhaps to Latin vergere to bend, incline

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

wrench Synonyms

Synonyms

twist, wrest, wring;

jimmy, lever, pry;

budge, dislocate, displace, disturb, remove;

shift, transfer, transpose;

wrench

noun

Definition of wrench

1 a : a violent twisting or a pull with or as if with twisting

b : a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments; also : the resultant injury (as of a joint)

c : a distorting or perverting alteration

d : acute emotional distress : sudden violent mental change

2 : a hand or power tool for holding, twisting, or turning an object (such as a bolt or nut)

3 : monkey wrench 2

See wrench defined for English-language learners

Examples of wrench in a Sentence

It was a wrench to say goodbye to all my friends.
with a sharp wrench of the hammer I pulled the nail from the board

Recent Examples of wrench from the Web

Climate scientists have been concerned since the 1980s that rising global temperatures could throw a wrench in the conveyor belt–like system, with possibly stark climatic consequences.

— andrea thompson, Scientific American, "Slow-Motion Ocean: Atlantic’s Circulation Is Weakest in 1,600 Years," 11 Apr. 2018
Officers have shot people after mistaking wrenches and badges for guns.

— german lopez, Vox, "Police shootings are also part of America’s gun problem," 9 Apr. 2018
Items reported stolen included nail guns, a chainsaw, router table, power saw, reciprocating saw, jigsaw, saber saw, folding table, lock jaw table, hand planer, drill and pneumatic wrench.

— jennifer james, Houston Chronicle, "Friendswood police: 6-year-old hit-and-run victim making progress," 9 Apr. 2018
Thursday’s arrest throws a wrench into UFC’s plans for McGregor.

— ryan gaydos, Fox News, "Is Conor McGregor jeopardizing career with his erratic behavior, or ginning up interest in next move?," 7 Apr. 2018
However, William and Kate didn't get there until after the Queen and the rest of the family had already entered the church, throwing a wrench in the whole formal process.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "How Prince William and Kate Middleton Broke Royal Protocol This Weekend," 2 Apr. 2018
With less than two weeks to go before WrestleMania, McMahon’s illness likely throws a wrench in WWE’s plans.

— dan gartland, SI.com, "Shane McMahon Hospitalized With Infection, Complicating WrestleMania Plans," 27 Mar. 2018
The toolbox Bryant used was filled with huge wrenches and other tools needed for artillery repair.

— sarah jacobs, The Aegis, "Army veteran recalls her place in women’s history," 26 Mar. 2018
Still, probably the most famous example of encryption throwing a wrench into a recent real-world investigation was in 2016, when Apple faced off with the Department of Justice in the wake of the San Bernardino terrorist shooting.

— cyrus farivar, Ars Technica, "Feds pushing new plan for encrypted mobile device unlocks via court order," 26 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of wrench

1530

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

wrench Synonyms

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang

WRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

wrench

verb

Definition of wrench for English Language Learners

: to twist and pull with a sudden violent motion
: to injure (a part of your body) by making a violent twisting motion
: to take (something) by using force

wrench

noun

Definition of wrench for English Language Learners

: a tool consisting of a handle with one end designed to hold, twist, or turn an object (such as a bolt or nut)
: a violent twisting or pulling movement
: something unpleasant that happens and that causes you to feel emotional pain

WRENCH Defined for Kids

wrench

verb \ ˈrench \

Definition of wrench for Students

wrenched; wrenching

1 : to pull or twist with sudden sharp force

He wrenched a branch from the tree.

2 : to injure by a sudden sharp twisting or straining

I wrenched my knee.

wrench

noun

Definition of wrench for Students

1 : a tool used in turning nuts or bolts

2 : a violent twist to one side or out of shape

3 : an injury caused by twisting or straining : sprain

Medical Dictionary

wrench

transitive verb \ ˈrench \

medical Definition of wrench

: to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining

slipped and wrenched her back

wrench

noun

medical Definition of wrench

: a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments; also : the resultant injury (as of a joint)

Learn More about wrench

See words that rhyme with wrench Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wrench Spanish Central: Translation of wrench Nglish: Translation of wrench for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of wrench for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wrench

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wrenchingly

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wrench

Definition of wrench

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Recent Examples of wrench from the Web

First Known Use of wrench

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WRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

wrench

Definition of wrench for English Language Learners

wrench

Definition of wrench for English Language Learners

WRENCH Defined for Kids

wrench

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wrench

Definition of wrench for Students

Medical Dictionary

wrench

medical Definition of wrench

wrench

medical Definition of wrench

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