wrest control from

USAGE SUMMARY

"wrest control from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking control from someone or something else, such as "The rebels sought to wrest control from the occupying forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The winner of a July 8 runoff will try to wrest control from the Liberals.

The New York Times

Once her husband came of age, however, she persuaded him to wrest control from his father and modernize the kingdom.

The New York Times

Afterward the estate tried to wrest control from her of the paintings that she and Davis had made together.

The New York Times

The bureau wants to wrest control from the agency, seeing it as unskilled in the basics of busting bad guys.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shareholder candidates could compete for a limited number of seats, ensuring that they could not wrest control from current boards.

The New York Times

Philip's outstanding achievement was to wrest control from the Plantagenets of most of the domains they held in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Computers sometimes even briefly wrest control from the driver to stop brakes from locking on slippery roads or to prevent out-of-control spins.

The New York Times - Tech

In 2001 the foundation had tried to wrest control from Wolfgang Wagner, naming Ms. Wagner-Pasquier, who was born to his first wife.

The New York Times - Arts

He somehow believes that this is the way to wrest control from the Republicans, who are, of course, the champions of these same values.

The New York Times

Politicians' past efforts to wrest control from bureaucrats have usually failed, in part because they have traditionally been looked down upon as self-interested and corrupt.

The New York Times

In 1908, a group of reformers called the Young Turks emerged from the empire's periphery and began to wrest control from the sultan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wrest control from" when describing a struggle or effort to gain control, particularly when the opposing party is resisting.

Common error

Avoid using "wrest control from" when a simple transfer of power occurs without significant resistance; phrases like "assume control" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrest control from" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the action of forcibly taking control or authority away from someone or something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in contexts involving conflict or struggle for dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrest control from" is a phrasal verb signifying a forceful or contested takeover, often used in news and media to describe power struggles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in reputable sources. When choosing alternatives, consider the intensity and context. While "seize power from" indicates a swift action, "assume control from" implies a smoother transition. Remember to reserve "wrest control from" for situations involving actual resistance and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrest power away from

Emphasizes the effort involved in gaining control.

wrest authority from

Highlights the transfer of authority, rather than general control.

seize power from

Suggests a more forceful and immediate takeover.

grab control from

Implies a sudden and perhaps opportunistic seizure of control.

take command from

Implies a shift in leadership or authority.

usurp control from

Connotes an illegitimate or unlawful seizure of power.

dislodge from power

Emphasizes the difficulty in removing someone from a secure position.

oust from power

Focuses on removing someone from a position of control.

depose from power

Focuses on the act of removing someone from a position of authority.

assume control from

Suggests a more gradual or legitimate transfer of power.

FAQs

What does "wrest control from" mean?

The phrase "wrest control from" means to seize or take control from someone or something, often after a struggle or with considerable effort.

How can I use "wrest control from" in a sentence?

You might say, "The activists sought to "wrest control from" the corporation by launching a public awareness campaign".

What are some synonyms for "wrest control from"?

Alternatives include "seize power from", "take command from", or "grab control from", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "wrest control from"?

It's best to avoid using "wrest control from" when the transfer of power is peaceful or agreed upon. In such cases, a phrase like "assume control from" would be more suitable.