Definition of wring

Email this page to a friend

< Wrigley, William, Jr.

wringer >

wring    (rng) KEY 

VERB:
wrung  (rng) KEY , wring·ing, wrings
VERB:
tr.

1. To twist, squeeze, or compress, especially so as to extract liquid. Often used with out.
2. To extract (liquid) by twisting or compressing. Often used with out.
3. To wrench or twist forcibly or painfully: wring the neck of a chicken.
4. To clasp and twist or squeeze (one's hands), as in distress.
5. To clasp firmly and shake (another's hand), as in congratulation.
6. To cause distress to; affect with painful emotion: a tale that wrings the heart.
7. To obtain or extract by applying force or pressure: wrung the truth out of the recalcitrant witness.

VERB:
intr.

To writhe or squirm, as in pain.

NOUN:

The act or an instance of wringing; a squeeze or twist.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English wringen, from Old English wringan; see wer-² in Indo-European roots