wrench

verb

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\ ˈrench

wrenched; wrenching; wrenches

Definition of wrench

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

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

b : to snatch forcibly : wrest

5 : to cause to suffer mental anguish : rack entry 2

wrench

noun

Definition of wrench (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : 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 sense 2

Other Words from wrench Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing wrench Learn More About wrench

Synonyms for wrench

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Examples of wrench in a Sentence

Verb 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. Noun 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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb This Bahco wrench combines maneuverability and durability, thanks to a slim jaw profile and heavy-duty construction. — Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 24 July 2022 The conflict comes at a pivotal moment for Republicans nationally, as primary voters weigh whether to wrench the party from its extremist elements — or more fully embrace them. — BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2022 The conflict comes at a pivotal moment for Republicans nationally, as primary voters weigh whether to wrench the party from its extremist elements — or more fully embrace them. — New York Times, 2 June 2022 The power of the memory is strong enough to wrench Billy from the Mind Flayer’s grasp and the former bad boy sacrifices himself. — Helena Andrews-dyer, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 Yet when people like Elias want to try to wrench free from opioid addiction, the closest options for getting daily doses of methadone may be miles away in Boyle Heights, Westlake and South Park, according to federal and local directories. — Emily Alpert Reyesstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2022 Many shouted at the staff, and several hit and kicked the booth and tried to wrench open its door and to argue with the staff. — New York Times, 24 Apr. 2022 Nick Foligno, who appeared to wrench a knee midway through the first period Saturday night in Tampa, will undergo an MRI Tuesday. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Jan. 2022 The statistics reflect the changes that continue to wrench the labor market after the pandemic upended the course of business and life across the country in 2020. — Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Instead, Johnson lost traction altogether and nearly threw a wrench in his weekend. — Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 25 July 2022 The pandemic threw a wrench into the industry's expansion plans as planes were grounded, orders for new planes were paused and travel restrictions were enacted. — Rob Wile, NBC News, 22 July 2022 After relocating for work, Diego expected to work in an office, but the coronavirus’s delta variant threw a wrench in his return-to-the-office plan and gave him the unexpected flexibility of working from anywhere. — Damona Hoffman, Washington Post, 7 July 2022 Like so many others, however, the pandemic threw a wrench in the plans. — Kenan Draughornestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2022 There are broadly two shifts going on that threw a wrench to retailers’ inventory planning. — Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, 19 May 2022 For a while in the seventies, Vargo worked as a mechanic, a wrench, at a four-bay shop called Mecca Motors. — Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022 The kit contained a variety of items in case of emergency: a sharp knife, a wrench, a screw, a leather strap, and an adjustable horseshoe and nails, which no one seemed to actually know how to use. — New York Times, 14 July 2022 Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the old shower head. — Daniel Bortz, Washington Post, 30 June 2022 See More

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.