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ratchet

Pronunciation: /ˈratʃɪt/

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Definition of ratchet

noun

1a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl, cog, or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only: [as modifier]:a ratchet screwdriver
a bar or wheel that forms part of a ratchet.

2a situation or process that is perceived to be changing in a series of irreversible steps:the upward ratchet of property taxes

verb (ratchets, ratcheting, ratcheted)

[with object]

1operate by means of a ratchet: (as adjective ratcheted)a ratcheted quick release system (as adjective ratcheting)a smooth ratcheting action

2 (ratchet something up/down) cause something to rise (or fall) as a step in what is perceived as an irreversible process:the Bank of Japan ratcheted up interest rates again

Origin:

mid 17th century: from French rochet, originally denoting a blunt lance head, later in the sense 'bobbin, ratchet'; related to the base of archaic rock 'quantity of wool on a distaff for spinning'

ratchet in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of ratchet in the US English dictionary

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