ratchet

n. a tool or part of a machine that allows movement in only one direction.

n. a mechanism consisting of a pawl and a toothed wheel that permits motion in one direction while preventing it in the other.

“He used a ratchet to tighten the bolts on the bicycle wheel.”

“The mechanic selected a socket ratchet to work in the cramped engine bay, where the limited swing space prevented the use of a standard wrench.”

Technical

n. a situation or rule that seems to move only in one direction, usually going up.

n. a process or policy perceived as moving irreversibly in one direction, typically involving a steady increase in costs, regulations, or intensity.

“The price of housing has become a ratchet that only ever goes up.”

“Economists describe the 'ratchet effect' where government spending increases during crises but fails to return to previous levels once the emergency subsides.”

Academic

v. to increase or decrease something by small amounts, often in a way that cannot be undone.

v. to cause something to rise or fall by degrees; frequently used with 'up' or 'down' to indicate incremental change.

“The central bank decided to ratchet up interest rates to fight inflation.”

“The tension between the two nations continued to ratchet up as both sides moved additional troops toward the disputed border.”