Ratch
Pronunciation: /ɹætʃ/
Ratch (verb)
- to make something rise or increase slowly, often in small steps.
Examples
- The tension began to ratch up as the deadline approached.
- Prices will ratch up slowly over the next few months.
Common collocations: ratch up pressure, ratch up tension, ratch up prices, ratch mechanism, ratch system
Ratch (noun)
- a tool or part that allows movement in one direction only, often with a clicking sound.
Examples
- The ratch ensures the gear moves in one direction.
- A ratch can prevent backward movement in machinery.