thumbscrew

英 [ˈθʌmskruː] 美 [ˈθʌmskruː]

n.  拇指夹(旧时的一种刑具)

复数:thumbscrews

机械

BNC.41516 / COCA.33643



牛津词典

noun

  1. 拇指夹(旧时的一种刑具)
    an instrument that was used in the past for torturing people by crushing their thumbs

    柯林斯词典

    1. 拇指夹(旧时的一种刑具)
      A thumbscrew is an object that was used in the past to torture people by crushing their thumbs.
      1. 极大的压力
        If someone puts the thumbscrews on you, they start to put you under extreme pressure in order to force you to do something.

        英英释义

        noun

        1. screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers

          1. instrument of torture that crushes the thumb