(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a metal object similar to a nail, with a raised spiral line around it. You turn a ~ using a ~driver so that it goes through two things, for example two pieces of wood, and fastens them together.
Each bracket is fixed to the wall with just three ~s.
N-COUNT
2.
If you ~ something somewhere or if it ~s somewhere, you fix it in place by means of a ~ or ~s.
I had ~ed the shelf on the wall myself...
Screw down any loose floorboards...
I particularly like the type of shelving that ~s to the wall.
VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv
3.
A ~ lid or fitting is one that has a raised spiral line on the inside or outside of it, so that it can be fixed in place by twisting.
...an ordinary jam jar with a ~ lid.
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
If you ~ something somewhere or if it ~s somewhere, you fix it in place by twisting it round and round.
Kelly ~ed the silencer onto the pistol...
Screw down the lid fairly tightly...
...several aluminium poles that ~ together to give a maximum length of 10 yards.
VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv
5.
If you ~ something such as a piece of paper into a ball, you squeeze it or twist it tightly so that it is in the shape of a ball. (BRIT; in AM, use crush )
He ~ed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire.
VERB: V n into n
6.
If you ~ your face or your eyes into a particular expression, you tighten the muscles of your face to form that expression, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright.
He ~ed his face into an expression of mock pain.
VERB: V n into n
7.
If someone ~s someone else or if two people ~, they have sex together. (RUDE)
V-RECIP
8.
Some people use ~ in expressions such as ~ you or ~ that to show that they are not concerned about someone or something or that they feel contempt for them. (RUDE)
VERB: only imper feelings
9.
If someone says that they have been ~ed, they mean that someone else has cheated them, especially by getting money from them dishonestly. (INFORMAL, RUDE)
They haven’t given us accurate information. We’ve been ~ed...
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed
10.
If someone ~s something, especially money, out of you, they get it from you by putting pressure on you. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
For decades rich nations have been ~ing money out of poor nations.
VERB: V n out of n
11.
If you turn or tighten the ~ on someone, you increase the pressure which is already on them, for example by using threats, in order to force them to do a particular thing.
Parisian taxi drivers are threatening to mount a blockade to turn the ~ on the government.
PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR on n