What does torque mean?
Torque is the twisting force produced when a force acts to turn something about an axis. In engineering, it is measured as a turning moment, commonly in newton-metres, and is important in describing the performance of engines, motors, tools, and mechanical systems. High torque allows an engine to overcome resistance, while rotational speed measures how quickly a component turns. The word can also denote an ancient twisted metal neck ornament and, figuratively, forceful influence or power. As a verb, torque means to twist or turn something forcefully. Its technical meaning is precise, but the figurative sense carries the idea of giving a situation greater momentum. Torque derives from the Latin word for twisting and shares its origin with English words such as torsion, torture, and tortuous. It is a useful term because it identifies the force responsible for turning, distinguishing it from the speed of the resulting motion.
A force or turning moment that tends to produce rotation about an axis; more generally, forceful influence. The word can also denote a twisted metal neck ornament.
"The wheels lost traction because the engine did not produce enough torque."
The mechanical sense is most common. In British usage the final consonant is generally /k/, while American usage commonly has /rk/. The archaeological sense refers specifically to a twisted neck ornament.
To twist or turn something forcefully, especially by applying a turning moment.
"The technician torqued the fitting until it was securely fastened."
This verb is relatively uncommon outside technical contexts. It means to apply a twisting force and is stronger and more specific than simply turning something.
The plural torques is used when referring to multiple twisting forces or measured turning moments.
"The specifications list the maximum torques for the three drive motors."
Torque is the hidden force behind every twist—from a bolted wrench to an engine that hauls a load uphill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does torque come from?
The word comes from Latin torque, a noun associated with twisting and with the action of torquere, “to twist.” English borrowed it during the early modern period, and the mechanical sense became firmly established in the nineteenth century. Related English words such as torsion, torture, tortuous, and distortion preserve the same Latin root through different developments.
Related word forms
How torque is actually used
Torque is primarily technical in modern English and refers to a twisting effect, not to rotational speed or the amount of rotation itself. British and American pronunciations differ in the final consonant. Its figurative use is less common and suggests forceful influence rather than merely persuasion.
Easily confused with torque
Torque is the twisting force or moment applied to an object, whereas torsion refers more specifically to twisting stress, deformation, or the twisting of a material.