ratchet

 
Pronunciation: /ˈratʃɪt/

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'