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
His precise renderings of natural and man-made stuff, on display at the Arts Club of Washington, wrench the objects from their usual surroundings and arrange them symmetrically to highlight the artist’s compositional artifice. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2022 When the utmost accuracy is paramount, this ½-inch digital torque wrench from GearWrench offers a top-of-the-line solution. James Fitzgerald, Popular Mechanics, 8 Aug. 2022 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
Noun
The Utah Republican Party threw a wrench in the primary debate schedule when chairman Carson Jorgensen demanded the commission give the GOP input on the questions to be asked and which moderators are selected. Bryan Schott, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022 COVID-19 lockdowns in China threw a wrench into global supply chains earlier this year, causing shipping and production delays worldwide, and hindering economic growth. Will Daniel, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2022 The movie was pushed to 2022 after the pandemic threw a wrench in everyone's plans. Christian Holub, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2022 There are several playoff regulars not in the field of 16 who’ve had success at Darlington and could throw a wrench into the plans of those contending for a title. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 4 Sep. 2022 There are several playoff regulars not in the field of 16 who’ve had success at Darlington and could throw a wrench into the plans of those contending for a title. Pete Iacobelli, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 But government subsidies for fossil fuels throw a wrench in that dynamic by shielding consumers from their real cost. Tim Mcdonnell, Quartz, 29 Aug. 2022 Sources in the finance space point to two variables of concern: fast-rising interest rates and a potential economic downturn, each of which could throw a wrench into investment plans. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 July 2022 No more letting dull razors and frayed toothbrushes throw a wrench in your Summer Friday plans. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 12 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Old English wrencan; akin to Old High German renken to twist and perhaps to Latin vergere to bend, incline