Definition of wrung

The origin of the word "wrung" can be traced back to the Old English word "hrengan," which meant "to twist" or "to squeeze." This word evolved over time, eventually leading to the Middle English word "wrongen," which referred to the act of wringing out or squeezing a damp cloth to remove excess water. The modern English word "wrung" is actually a variant spelling of "wrongen," reflecting the pronunciation changes that have occurred in the English language throughout history. The verb "wrung" is both transitive (meaning it takes an object, as in "wrung out the dishcloth") and intransitive (meaning it can be used as a standalone statement, as in "the water was wrung from the fabric"). Overall, the history of "wrung" provides insight into both the evolution of the English language and the various ways in which people have interacted with wet fabrics throughout history.