Wrested Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wrested

[หˆrษ›stษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical struggle

The word 'wrested' is the past tense of the verb ' wrest,' which means to forcibly pull something from a person's grasp. It implies a struggle or effort against resistance in order to obtain or acquire something, often against opposition. This action can relate to various contexts, including sports, physical confrontations, or even abstract scenarios like 'wresting control' from someone. To wrest something away can also symbolize a fight against circumstances or challenges.

Synonyms

extract, grasp, seize, snatch, wrest.

Examples of usage

  • He wrested the book from her hands.
  • The rebels wrested control of the town.
  • She wrested the truth from him after much persuasion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word appears in various texts, often symbolizing struggle, where characters wrest away power or truth from adversaries.
  • Shakespeare often used the term to convey dramatic shifts where characters gain or lose control, vividly illustrating the struggle for dominance.
  • In contemporary literature, 'wrested' frequently illustrates emotional turmoil, showing characters grappling with their desires.

Psychology

  • Wresting control can represent deeper psychological themes like overcoming adversity, reflecting a desire for agency.
  • The act of wresting may correlate with feelings of assertiveness and determination, demonstrating how people reclaim power in their lives.
  • In conflict resolution, the concept of wrestling ideas can help individuals negotiate and ultimately find compromise.

History

  • In historical conflicts, leaders often wrested control of territories through wars, highlighting the physical and strategic struggle.
  • There are numerous revolutions where groups wrested power from oppressive regimes, transforming political landscapes.
  • In mythology, many heroes wrest power from gods or monsters, showcasing the timeless theme of conflict and resolution.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in various songs and movies to describe taking back lost love or reclaiming identity.
  • In wrestling sports, 'wrested away' is often used to describe a crucial win where one competitor outmaneuvers another.
  • Modern video games often feature plots where heroes must wrest control of an item or realm from villains, reinforcing themes of struggle.

Origin of 'wrested'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wrest' comes from the Old English word 'wrฤซstan,' which means to twist or pull something away.
  • In Middle English, 'wrest' indicated a struggle or fight to take possession of something.
  • The past form 'wrested' has been in use since the 15th century, indicating a historical context of conflict.

The word 'wrested' is derived from the Old English term ' wrestian,' which means 'to twist or to wrestle.' The etymological roots can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic *wrastwลnฤ…, which denotes the action of twisting. It is also related to similar words in other Germanic languages, demonstrating the cultural significance of grappling or contesting physical objects or ideas. Over time, 'wrest' evolved to encompass both the physical action of struggling for something and the metaphorical sense of fighting for control or dominance in various aspects of life. The transition from its original physical meaning to broader metaphorical applications reflects the dynamic nature of language, as words adapt to encompass new ideas and societal changes.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,164, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.