Wring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about forcefully twisting or squeezing something to remove liquid. Often has a connotation of effort or intensity.

• She wrung the wet clothes with all her strength to get out the water
• His hands were wringing with nervousness

Suitable for describing a motion where something is turned or wound around, often used for both physical objects and situations.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle
• The plot twist in the movie was surprising

Commonly used when pressing something firmly to change its shape or extract liquid, generally with less intensity than 'wring'.

• She squeezed the toothpaste tube to get the last bit out
• He squeezed her hand reassuringly

Common when describing a sudden or violent twisting or pulling motion. It often implies force or pain.

• He wrenched the door open after the lock jammed
• She felt a wrench in her heart at the bad news

Appropriate when talking about holding something tightly, usually with hands, or fastening something.

• She clasped the child's hand while crossing the street
• He clasped the necklace around her neck

Best used when referring to something twisted out of its normal shape or meaning, often with negative connotations.

• The mirror distorted her reflection, making her look taller
• His words were distorted and taken out of context

This word is often used to describe the action of twisting something forcefully to remove liquid from it or to describe causing emotional or mental distress.

• She had to wring out the wet towel before hanging it up to dry.
• The sad news wrung his heart.

This word refers to the action of turning something to change its shape or to cause it to form a spiral or curl.

• She twisted the cap off the bottle.
• The road twists and turns through the mountains.

Used when pressing something firmly, usually with hands, to extract liquid or change its shape.

• She squeezed the lemon to get fresh juice.
• He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

This word is generally used to describe a physical sensation of strong discomfort or an emotional hurt.

• She felt a sharp pain in her ankle after the fall.
• His harsh words caused her deep emotional pain.

This is used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It is often used in serious or emotional situations.

• The child's disappearance caused great distress to her parents.
• He was in obvious distress after hearing the bad news.