Ratchet: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ง
Add to dictionary

ratchet

 

[ หˆrรฆtสƒษชt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mechanical tools

A device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl, cog, or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only.

Synonyms

socket wrench, spanner, wrench

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic used a ratchet to tighten the bolts.
  • She heard the ratchet clicking as he turned the screw.
Context #2 | Noun

slang

A coarse, ill-mannered person, especially a woman.

Synonyms

ghetto, low-class, trashy

Examples of usage

  • She's always causing drama, what a ratchet!
  • Don't be so ratchet, have some class.
Context #3 | Verb

slang

To adjust or manipulate in a mechanical way.

Synonyms

adjust, increase, tighten

Examples of usage

  • He ratcheted up the pressure to get the job done.
  • She ratcheted the volume up on the radio.

Translations

Translations of the word "ratchet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น catraca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‡เค•เฅเคŸเคšเฅ‡เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ratsche

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ roda gigi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะตั‰ั–ั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ grzechotka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฉใƒใ‚งใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cliquet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ trinquete

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mandal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ž˜์นซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฒุฑุฌูŠู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rรกฤna

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ raฤลˆa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฃ˜่ฝฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ raglja

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skratta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั–ัั‚ั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒแƒฉแƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ raqet

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ trinquete

Etymology

The word 'ratchet' has a long history dating back to the 17th century. Originally used to describe a wrench or a tool that allows for incremental adjustment, the term has evolved over time to also be used as slang to describe a person with negative characteristics. The slang usage gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly in hip-hop culture. It is important to note the dual meaning of the word depending on the context in which it is used.

See also: rat, ratify, rats.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,735, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.