From Middle English wricken, probably from Middle Dutch wricken (Modern Dutch wrikken ("to wriggle")) or Middle Low German wricken ("to move jerkily; sprain"), from Proto-Germanic *wrigōną ("to wriggle"), from Proto-Indo-European *wreyḱ- ("to turn, wrap, tie"), from *wer-.
See also Low German wriggen, German Low German wricken ("to row; scull; move back and forth")). Compare also Danish vrikke ("to move; turn; wriggle"), Swedish vricka ("to sprain; twist; scull").
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.