wrench

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wrench / rench/ • n. 1. [usu. in sing.] a sudden violent twist or pull: with a wrench Tony wriggled free. ∎ fig. an act of leaving someone or something that causes sadness or distress: it will be a real wrench to leave after eight years.2. a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.3. Mechanics a combination of a couple with a force along its axis.• v. [tr.] pull or twist (someone or something) suddenly and violently: Casey grabbed the gun and wrenched it upward from my hand | [tr.] she wrenched herself free of his grip | [intr.] fig. the betrayal wrenched at her heart. ∎  injure (a part of the body) as a result of a sudden twisting movement: she slipped and wrenched her ankle. ∎  turn (something, esp. a nut or bolt) with a wrench. ∎ archaic distort to fit a particular theory or interpretation: to wrench our Bible to make it fit a misconception of facts.

wrenches

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