ratchet

A mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits motion in only one direction.

• 🇩🇪Mechanisches Bauteil mit einem gezahnten Rad oder einer gezahnten Stange, in das eine Sperrklinke eingreift und das eine Bewegung nur in einer Richtung zulässt. Umgangssprachlich auch eine Knarre oder ein Ratschenschlüssel.

1. Mechanical device B2 formal technical

   A mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack that engages with a pawl, allowing motion in only one direction.

   • The mechanic used a ratchet to tighten the bolt.
   • A ratchet mechanism prevents the winch from unwinding.
   • The socket wrench has a built-in ratchet for easier use.

   🇩🇪Ratsche

• ratchets plural form
• ratchets' possessive plural form
• ratchet's possessive singular form

A verb meaning to increase or decrease by degrees, often used in the context of gradual change or adjustment.

• 🇩🇪Verb, das eine schrittweise Erhöhung oder Verringerung bezeichnet, oft im Kontext allmählicher Anpassung oder Regulierung verwendet.

1. Move gradually in one direction B2 formal

   To cause something to move or change in a series of small, irreversible steps, often in a single direction.

   • The government ratcheted up the pressure on the company.
   • Tensions between the two countries ratcheted higher after the incident.
   • The costs ratcheted upward over the course of the project.

   🇩🇪Sich schrittweise in eine Richtung bewegen

   Synonyme: advancebuild upclimbcreepescalateinchincreaseintensifymountprogressstep up

• ratcheted past participle
• ratcheted past simple
• ratcheting present participle
• ratchets third person singular

Phrasal-Varianten: rachet upratchet down