First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wrench
verb \ˈrench\
: 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
Full 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>
4
a : to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence b : to snatch forcibly : wrest
See wrench defined for English-language learners
See wrench defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WRENCH
Middle English, from Old English wrencan; akin to Old High German renken to twist and perhaps to Latin vergere to bend, incline
2wrench
noun
: 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
Full 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 (as a bolt or nut)
3
: monkey wrench 2
See wrench defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WRENCH
1530
WRENCHING Defined for Kids
1wrench
verb \ˈrench\
wrenchedwrench·ing
Definition of WRENCH for Kids
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.>
2wrench
noun
Definition of WRENCH for Kids
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
Learn More About WRENCH
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up wrench? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).