Ratchet Meaning
/ˈɹæt͡ʃɪt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA pawl, click, or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
nounA mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch and pawl.
Sentence Examples
We need to ratchet up the pressure. We can't let it simply subside.
Handcuffs are none other than a ratchet mechanism.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The car mechanic used a ____ to tighten the stubborn bolt with a clicking sound.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mechanic used a ____ wrench to tighten the bolt in the confined space under the dashboard.
Word Origin & History
From French rochet (“bobbin, spindle, ratchet”), from Italian rocchetto (“spool, ratchet”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty."
— 2012 December 14, Simon Jenkins, “We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 2, page 23:
"Ahead of them a group of mandibulous sales men had set up their combustion cups and incendiary ratchets to demonstrate their wares to whatever officers might come by."
— 2013, Charles Morgan, Youthful Folly, →ISBN, page 94:
"Compared with the excellent scroll wheels on the Basilisk V3 and G502 X, the G203’s scroll wheel feels less defined and mushier in its ratcheting."
— 2024 January 16, Kimber Streams, “The Best Gaming Mouse”, in Wirecutter:
"Yugoslavia’s President, Slobodan Milosevic, has rejected all efforts at meaningful diplomacy and, in violation of his own previous commitments, has ratcheted up his military campaign against the innocent civilians of Kosovo."
— 1999 March 25, “Air Campaign Against Yugoslavia”, in The New York Times, New York:
"The one thing that always accompanies Miley's ratchet look (along with the gang signs) is the tongue, which is sort of like saying this persona that she has adopted is some sort of gonzo idiot who can't keep its tongue in her head."
— 2013 September 24, Elspeth Reeve, Brian Moylan, “Miley Cyrus's Tongue: A Debate”, in The Atlantic:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The car mechanic used a ____ to tighten the stubborn bolt with a clicking sound.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mechanic used a ____ wrench to tighten the bolt in the confined space under the dashboard.