wrest
UK: rɛst | US: rɛst
vt. to forcibly pull or twist something away from someone or something
vt. to obtain something with effort or difficulty
The word "wrest" originates from Old English wrǣstan, meaning "to twist, wrench, or force." It is related to Old Norse reista ("to twist") and shares Proto-Germanic roots with words like "wrist" (originally referring to the twisting motion of the joint). The core idea of forceful twisting or pulling persists in its modern usage, whether physically (e.g., wresting a weapon from someone) or metaphorically (e.g., wresting control).
He tried to wrest the knife from the attacker’s grip.
The rebels sought to wrest power from the corrupt government.
She managed to wrest a confession out of the suspect.
Farmers often wrest a living from harsh, unforgiving land.
The lawyer attempted to wrest the truth from the evasive witness.