v.
(past and past part. wrung
/rʌŋ/
)
- squeeze and twist to force liquid from.
▸extract (liquid) in this way.
▸squeeze (someone's hand) tightly.
- break (an animal's neck) by twisting forcibly.
-
(often wring something from/out of)
obtain with difficulty or effort.
- cause great pain or distress to:
the letter wrung her heart.
n.
an act of wringing.
Phrase
- wring one's hands
clasp and twist one's hands together as a gesture of distress or despair.
Etymology
OE wringan (v.), of W. Gmc origin; rel. to wrong.