(screws, screwing, screwed)
1.
A screw is a metal object similar to a nail, with a raised spiral line around it. You turn a screw using a screwdriver so that it goes through two things, for example two pieces of wood, and fastens them together.
Each bracket is fixed to the wall with just three screws.
N-COUNT
2.
If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by means of a screw or screws.
I had screwed the shelf on the wall myself...
Screw down any loose floorboards...
I particularly like the type of shelving that screws to the wall.
VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv
3.
A screw lid or fitting is one that has a raised spiral line on the inside or outside of it, so that it can be fixed in place by twisting.
...an ordinary jam jar with a screw lid.
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by twisting it round and round.
Kelly screwed the silencer onto the pistol...
Screw down the lid fairly tightly...
...several aluminium poles that screw together to give a maximum length of 10 yards.
VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv
5.
If you
screw something such as a piece of paper
into a ball, you squeeze it or twist it tightly so that it is in the shape of a ball. (
BRIT; in AM, use crush
)
He screwed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire.
VERB: V n into n
6.
If you screw your face or your eyes into a particular expression, you tighten the muscles of your face to form that expression, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright.
He screwed his face into an expression of mock pain.
VERB: V n into n
7.
If someone screws someone else or if two people screw, they have sex together. (RUDE)
V-RECIP
8.
Some people use screw in expressions such as screw you or screw that to show that they are not concerned about someone or something or that they feel contempt for them. (RUDE)
VERB: only imper [feelings]
9.
If someone says that they have been screwed, they mean that someone else has cheated them, especially by getting money from them dishonestly. (INFORMAL, RUDE)
They haven't given us accurate information. We've been screwed...
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed
10.
If someone screws something, especially money, out of you, they get it from you by putting pressure on you. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
For decades rich nations have been screwing money out of poor nations.
VERB: V n out of n
11.
If you turn or tighten the screw on someone, you increase the pressure which is already on them, for example by using threats, in order to force them to do a particular thing.
Parisian taxi drivers are threatening to mount a blockade to turn the screw on the government.
PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR on n