I. wrench 1 /rentʃ/ BrE AmE verb
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: wrencan ]
1 . [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to twist and pull something roughly from the place where it is being held:
I wrenched the packet from his grasp.
The door had been wrenched open.
2 . wrench yourself away/free to use your strength to pull yourself away from someone who is holding you:
She managed to wrench herself free.
3 . [transitive] to hurt a joint in your body by twisting it SYN sprain :
I think I’ve wrenched my knee.
II. wrench 2 BrE AmE noun
1 . [countable] especially American English a metal tool that you use for turning ↑ nut s SYN spanner British English
2 . throw a (monkey) wrench in something American English informal to do something that will cause problems or spoil someone’s plans SYN throw/put a spanner in the works British English
3 . [singular] a strong feeling of sadness that you get when you leave a person or place that you love:
Leaving New York had been a terrible wrench.
4 . [countable usually singular] a twisting movement that pulls something violently:
He grabbed the rope and gave it a wrench.