Definition of: wrest

(rest) v.t.
1. To pull or force away by violent twisting or wringing; wrench.
2. To turn from the true meaning, character, intent, or application; distort; pervert.
3. To seize forcibly by violence, extortion, or usurpation.
—noun
1. An act of wresting; a violent twist.
2. A misapplication or perversion.
3. A crooked act; wile.
4. A key for tuning a stringed instrument, as a harp. ♦ Homophone: rest. [OE wrǣstan]
—wrest′er noun