ratchet
(noun, adjective, verb)
adjective
1. (US, slang) ghetto (unseemly and indecorous)
noun
1. mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction
Similar word(s): rachet, ratch
Definition categories: man–made
verb
1. move by degrees in one direction only
- a ratcheting lopping tool
Definition categories: motion, advance, progress
Sentences with ratchet as a verb:
- It's time to ratchet up the intensity level here.