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Wrest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคผ
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wrest

[rษ›st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical activity

To wrest is to engage in a contest of strength or skill, usually involving grappling or holds to overpower or subdue an opponent. It often refers to the sport of wrestling, which has its roots in ancient traditions. Additionally, it can mean to forcibly pull something from someone or to obtain with difficulty.

Synonyms

fight, grapple, overpower, seize, subdue.

Examples of usage

  • He likes to wrest with his friends on the weekends.
  • The athlete trained hard to excel in the art of wrest.
  • She had to wrest the child from the grasp of the waves.
  • He wrested control of the project from his colleague.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'wrest'

Main points about word origin

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

The word 'wrest' originates from the Old English term 'wyrrestan,' which means to wrestle or to twist. This word is related to the Old Norse 'vrista,' meaning to twist, and the Middle Dutch 'wrestelen,' which translates to wrestle. The term has evolved over centuries, retaining its core meaning linked to physical contests and struggles. 'Wrest' also has a broader connotation of obtaining something through force or effort, indicative of its historical use in describing physical and metaphorical struggles. Usage in literature and art can be traced back to ancient times, where wrestling was depicted not only as a sport but also as a demonstration of power and skill. Today, 'wrest' maintains relevance in both athletic contexts and in phrases that convey a struggle to gain possession or control.

Word Frequency Rank

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.