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Definition of thumbscrew

thumbscrew

/ˈθʌm.skruː/
thumb · screw
Plural:thumbscrews
•
Past Simple:thumbscrewed
•
Past Participle:thumbscrewed
•
Present Participle:thumbscrewing
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thumbscrew Lexical Profile

thumbscrew Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A screw with a flattened, winged, or knurled head designed to be turned by hand using the thumb and forefinger without a screwdriver.

Example

"You can easily remove the side panel of the computer case by loosening the two thumbscrews at the back."

2

A historical instrument of torture consisting of a vice that progressively crushes the thumbs or fingers as a screw is tightened.

Example

"The museum exhibit on seventeenth-century justice displayed an iron thumbscrew alongside other historical artifacts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thumbscrew

• verb

1

To subject someone to severe pressure, coercion, or torture with a thumbscrew.

Example

"Creditors threatened to thumbscrew the struggling company into accepting unfavorable repayment terms."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thumbscrew

• Nearby Words

thumbnail
thumbpad
thumbprint
thumbscrew
thumbstick
thumbtack
thump

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century as a compound of 'thumb' and 'screw', originally referring to the medieval and early modern instrument of torture before later being applied to the hand-turned fastener.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thumbscrew. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thumbscrew
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