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Definition of wrenching

wrenching

/ˈrɛntʃɪŋ/
wrench · ing
Adverb:wrenchingly
•
Plural:wrenchings
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wrenching Lexical Profile

wrenching Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing intense emotional distress, grief, or mental anguish.

Example

"The family faced the wrenching decision of selling their ancestral home."

2

Involving a sudden, violent twist, pull, or physical strain.

Example

"He felt a sharp, wrenching pain in his lower back after lifting the heavy crate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The act or instance of pulling, twisting, or tearing something away suddenly and violently.

Example

"The sudden wrenching of the steering wheel kept the car from sliding off the icy road."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for wrenching

• Nearby Words

wreckfish
wren
wrench
wrenching
wrenchingly
wrest
wrestle

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'wrench' (from Old English 'wrencan', meaning to twist or turn) plus the participial suffix '-ing'.

Cite this Entry

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