Wrench: meaning, definitions and examples

Can also mean a sudden, violent twist or pull. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe an emotional distress caused by separation or conflict.

• She felt a wrench when she had to leave her family behind

Commonly used in British English; refers to a similar tool as a wrench. It is mainly used for the same purpose of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.

• In the UK, he always carries a spanner when working on his car

Typically used when something is forcibly and suddenly pulled or twisted from its original position, often causing damage. Can have a negative connotation.

• He wrenched the door open in a panic.
• She wrenched her ankle while running.

Used to describe the action of rotating something around an axis or changing its shape through a circular movement. Can have both neutral and negative connotations depending on context.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle.
• She twisted her hair into a bun.

Commonly used to describe the act of exerting force to move something towards oneself in a controlled manner. Neutral connotation.

• You need to pull the handle to open the drawer.
• She pulled the chair closer to the table.

Used when describing a sudden, forceful pull, often in a rough or abrupt manner. Usually has a somewhat negative connotation.

• He yanked the curtain open.
• The child yanked her mother's hand.