# wrest

/ˈɹɛst/ (US) · /ɹˈɛst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wrest
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to take something from someone with force or strong effort, even when they do not want to give it up. You often use it for control, power, or information.

For teachers: to take or gain something, such as control, power, or information, by forceful effort from an unwilling holder or against resistance. Retains a sense of twisting or pulling away, as in wresting a weapon from someone's hands.

## Examples

- She wrests control of the meeting from him.
- After months of deadlock, the new mayor wrests the budget decision from the council.
- Despite fierce opposition, the journalist wrests the truth from reluctant sources through persistent questioning.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often followed by 'from' to mark the previous holder.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.