wrest

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to take something away from someone by force or with determined effort

   The guard wrested the revolver from the assailant's grip.

2. 2
   verb

   to obtain control, power, or information only after a difficult struggle

   The reformers hoped to wrest control of the council from its entrenched leaders.

From Middle English wresten, from Old English wræstan ("to twist or wrench forcibly"), from a Germanic base associated with twisting. Wrestle and writhe belong to the same broad Germanic word family. The sense developed from physically twisting something away to gaining anything through force or struggle.

Topics