Wrest: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Originates from the Old English word 'wyrrestan,' meaning to twist or turn.
• Related to the Old Norse word ‘vrista,’ which means to wrestle or struggle.
• The transformation of the word reflects the physicality involved in the act of pulling something away.

Historical Context

• In medieval times, wresting could refer to the act of seizing control of lands or titles by force.
• The word has been used in legal contexts, especially related to wrongful seize or appropriation of property.
• In literature, the act of wresting something often symbolizes struggle against oppression or adversity.

Pop Culture

• The term appears frequently in movies and books featuring heroic struggles or battles for justice.
• Many professional wrestling matches involve a physical interpretation of 'wresting' as participants try to gain advantage over each other.
• The phrase 'wrest control' is often used in political discourse when discussing power shifts.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's works, wresting often symbolizes the struggle between fate and free will.
• Writers often use the theme of wresting as a metaphor for moral or emotional challenges.
• The act of wresting can represent the internal conflict of a character trying to overcome personal obstacles.

Psychology

• The act of wresting can be viewed as a manifestation of disagreement or conflict within oneself, as well as between individuals.
• Psychological studies indicate that humans often experience a sense of empowerment when they wrest or grapple with challenges.
• Wresting can also symbolize the struggle to manipulate or control one's own thoughts and emotions.

Positioned at #20,984, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 20981 powerlessness
• 20982 dismantle
• 20983 voiceless
• 20984 wrest
• 20985 recapitulation
• 20986 classically
• 20987 xylem
• ...