Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun thumbscrew

2 senses of thumbscrew

Sense 1
thumbscrew -- (instrument of torture that crushes the thumb)
       => instrument of torture -- (an instrument of punishment designed and used to inflict torture on the condemned person)

Sense 2
thumbscrew -- (screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers)
       => screw -- (a fastener with a tapered threaded shank and a slotted head)