thumbscrew

English

noun
Definitions
  • A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers.
  • An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers.
  • (figuratively) A weakness that can be taken advantage of.

Etymology

Affix from English thumb + English screw (meddle, play with).

Origin

English

screw

Gloss

meddle, play with

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms