n. 1 framework, frame, trestle, holder, support; stand, scaffold, scaffolding, structure, hat-rack, hatstand, coat-rack, Technical stretcher, tenter, US hat-tree The fish are hung out on long racks in the sun to dry Please take your luggage off the seat and put it on the overhead rack. 2 suffering, torment, torture, agony, anguish, pain, misery, distress, affliction, scourge, adversity Only those who have experienced it can know the severe rack of gout
v. 3 distress, torment, torture, agonize, oppress, pain, persecute, anguish, beleaguer, plague, harass, harrow, hurt Gruber was racked by the feeling that he had been responsible for the road accident Quentin has been racked by the pain of arthritis for ten years. 4 beat, strain, wrench, tear at, lash (at), batter, shake, damage Winds of hurricane force racked villages along the coast last night