rack meaning and definition

RACK noun

Definition of rack (noun)

1. framework for holding objects
2. rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton
3. the destruction or collapse of something
   • "wrack and ruin"
   • synonyms: wrack
4. an instrument of torture that stretches or disjoints or mutilates victims
   • synonyms: wheel
5. a support for displaying various articles
   • "the newspapers were arranged on a rack"
   • synonyms: stand
6. a form of torture in which pain is inflicted by stretching the body
7. a rapid gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately
   • synonyms: single-foot

RACK verb

Definition of rack (verb)

1. go at a rack
   • "the horses single-footed"
   • synonyms: single-foot
2. stretch to the limits
   • "rack one's brains"
3. put on a rack and pinion
   • "rack a camera"
4. obtain by coercion or intimidation
   • "They extorted money from the executive by threatening to reveal his past to the company boss"; "They squeezed money from the owner of the business by threatening him"
   • synonyms: extort, gouge, squeeze, wring
5. run before a gale
   • synonyms: scud
6. fly in high wind
7. draw off from the lees
   • "rack wine"
8. torment emotionally or mentally
   • synonyms: excruciate, torment, torture
9. work on a rack
   • "rack leather"
10. seize together, as of parallel ropes of a tackle in order to prevent running through the block
11. torture on the rack