First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wrest
verb \ˈrest\
: to pull (something) away from someone by using violent twisting movements
: to take (something) from someone with much effort
Full Definition of WREST
transitive verb
1
: to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
2
: to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor
See wrest defined for English-language learners
See wrest defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WREST
Middle English wrasten, wresten, from Old English wrǣstan; akin to Old Norse reista to bend and probably to Old English wrigian to turn — more at wry
Related to WREST
- Synonyms
- corkscrew, prize, pry, pull, root (out), tear (out), uproot, extract, wring, yank
2wrest
noun
Definition of WREST
2
archaic : a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)
First Known Use of WREST
14th century
WRESTING Defined for Kids
wrest
verb \ˈrest\
wrest·edwrest·ing
Definition of WREST for Kids
1
: to pull away by twisting or wringing <I had to wrest my shoe from the dog's mouth.>
2
: to obtain only by great and steady effort <“For this is the day we are to conquer His Majesty the Scarecrow, and wrest from him the throne.” — L. Frank Baum, The Marvelous Land of Oz>
Learn More About WREST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: wrest blockPrevious Word in the Dictionary: wren warblerAll Words Near: wrest
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up wrest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).