n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1605
1 a (1) : to attach, fasten, or close by means of a screw (2) : to unite or separate by means of a screw or a twisting motion < screw the two pieces together> (3) : to press tightly in a device (as a vise) operated by a screw (4) : to operate, tighten, or adjust by means of a screw (5) : to torture by means of a thumbscrew b : to cause to rotate spirally about an axis
2 a (1) : to twist into strained configurations : CONTORT < screw ed up his face> (2) : SQUINT (3) : CRUMPLE b : to furnish with a spiral groove or ridge : THREAD
3 : to increase the intensity, quantity, or capability of <trying to screw up courage to confess ― Will Scott>
4 a (1) : to mistreat or exploit through extortion, trickery, or unfair actions especially : to deprive of or cheat out of something due or expected < screw ed out of a job> (2) : to treat so as to bring about injury or loss (as to a person's reputation) <use the available Federal machinery to screw our political enemies ― J. W. Dean III> ― often used as a generalized curse < screw you!> b : to extract by pressure or threat
5 usually vulgar : to copulate with
intransitive verb
1 : to rotate like or as a screw
2 : to turn or move with a twisting or writhing motion
3 usually vulgar : COPULATE
– screw · er noun