What does wrench mean?
Wrench is most immediately recognizable as a hand tool used to turn nuts, bolts, and other fittings. Its jaws grip the fastener so leverage can be applied; in British English, the adjustable version is especially often called a spanner. The word also names a sudden, forceful twisting motion or the painful strain it can cause. As a verb, to wrench something is to twist, pull, or distort it with sharp, often unintended force, as when a locked door is forced open. Figuratively, the verb can describe emotional anguish: a separation may wrench someone's heart, while a disturbing discovery may wrench one's composure. The plain sense is practical, but these figurative uses give the word a distinctly forceful, uncomfortable edge. It is also worth distinguishing a wrench from wring: the former turns or pulls a solid object, whereas the latter squeezes or twists something wet. Together, these meanings make "wrench" useful both as everyday vocabulary and as a vivid metaphor for force and distress.
A hand tool used to turn, loosen, or tighten nuts, bolts, and similar fittings; also, a sudden sharp twist or painful strain.
"The loose pipe fitting required a wrench to tighten it."
In British English, an adjustable wrench is often called a spanner.
To twist, pull, or distort something with sharp force; to cause pain, emotional anguish, or a loss of composure.
"It took considerable effort to wrench the corroded bolt free."
The verb is often transitive and can describe either physical force or intense emotional disturbance.
The plural is formed by adding -es.
"She laid several wrenches on the workbench."
A tool with a spanner on one side of the Atlantic and a wrench on the other: mostly the same metal object under a different name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wrench
The word comes from Old English wrence, meaning a turn or twist, and entered Middle English as "wrenche." Its verbal meaning developed from the idea of turning or pulling sharply. The later sense of the tool is based on the twisting action it performs on nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.
Related word forms
How wrench is actually used
In British English, an adjustable wrench is commonly called a spanner. The verb is often transitive and conveys force, abruptness, or distress; it is frequently used in figurative expressions such as wrenching someone's heart or wrenching one's composure.
Easily confused with wrench
A wrench turns or pulls a solid object, while wring usually means squeezing or twisting something to remove liquid.