wring

wring [riŋ]

vt.

wrung or Rare wringed, wringing [ME wringen < OE wringan, to press, compress, strain, akin to Ger ringen, to struggle, wrestle < IE * wreng- < base * wer-, to turn, bend > WORM]

1.

a) to squeeze, press, twist, or compress, esp. so as to force out water or other liquid

b) to force out (water or other liquid) by this means, as from wet clothes: usually with out

2. to clasp and twist (the hands) together as an expression of distress

3. to clasp (another's hand) forcefully in greeting

4. to wrench or twist forcibly

5. to get or extract by force, threats, persistence, etc.; extort

6. to afflict with anguish, distress, pity, etc. [a story to wring one's heart]

vi.

to writhe, squirm, or twist with force or great effort

n.

the action of wringing or twisting