I. ˈrench verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wrencan; akin to Old High German renken to twist and perhaps to Latin vergere to bend, incline
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. : to move with a violent twist ; also : to undergo twisting
2. : to pull or strain at something with violent twisting
transitive verb
1. : to twist violently
2. : to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining
wrench ed her back
3. : change ; especially : distort , pervert
4.
a. : to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence
b. : to snatch forcibly : wrest
5. : to cause to suffer mental anguish : rack
• wrench·ing·ly ˈren-chiŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1530
1.
a. : a violent twisting or a pull with or as if with twisting
b. : a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments ; also : the resultant injury (as of a joint)
c. : a distorting or perverting alteration
d. : acute emotional distress : sudden violent mental change
2. : a hand or power tool for holding, twisting, or turning an object (as a bolt or nut)
3. : monkey wrench 2