Wrench Definition
rĕnch
wrenched, wrenches, wrenching
noun
wrenches
A sudden, sharp twist or pull.
Webster's New World
An injury caused by a twist or jerk, as to the back, a joint, etc.
Webster's New World
Any of a number of tools used for holding and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.
Webster's New World
A sudden feeling of grief, anguish, etc., as at parting with someone.
Webster's New World
A false or strained interpretation of an original meaning.
Webster's New World
verb
wrenched, wrenches, wrenching
To twist, pull, or jerk suddenly and violently.
Webster's New World
To twist and sprain.
I wrenched my knee.
American Heritage
To turn using a wrench.
Wrenched the nut onto the bolt.
American Heritage
To distort, strain, or give a false interpretation of (a meaning, statement, etc.)
Webster's New World
To injure (a part of the body) with a twist or wrench.
Webster's New World
Origin of Wrench
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From Middle English wrenchen to twist from Old English wrencan wer-2 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Old English wrenċan, from Proto-Germanic *wrankijaną. Compare German renken.
From Wiktionary
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