rack
/ræk/
NOUN
1. Structure for holding or displaying objects
A frame, stand, or structure designed to hold, support, store, or display items, often consisting of shelves, bars, hooks, or compartments.
1.1. Storage and organization
Refers to a structure used to organize, support, or store tools, equipment, clothing, household items, or other objects.
Synonyms
- shelf
- stand
- holder
- bracket
- receptacle
- structure
Examples
- The mechanic carefully placed the tools back on the workshop rack after completing the repairs.
- The chef reached for a spice jar from the well-organized spice rack.
- The clothing store displayed a colorful array of sweaters on the neatly arranged rack.
Related Words
1.2. Vehicle and luggage support
Refers to a frame or carrier attached to a vehicle or vessel for supporting and transporting luggage, bicycles, equipment, or other belongings.
Synonyms
Examples
- The cyclist parked the bike on the sturdy bike rack before entering the cafe.
- They secured their luggage to the roof rack before beginning the journey.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Bed or place for sleeping
A bed, sleeping platform, or place intended for resting or sleeping; informally, the act or period of sleep.
2.1. Sleeping furniture and beds
Refers to a bed or sleeping arrangement, including a bunk or other structure used for resting.
Synonyms
Examples
- The sailors returned to their bunks after a long day at sea.
- He prepared a comfortable rack for the overnight guests.
Related Words
2.2. Sleep and rest
Used informally, particularly in British English, to refer to sleep or a period of rest.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- After the exhausting journey, he went home to get some rack.
- The travelers needed a good night's rack before continuing their trip.
Related Words
- rest
- bedtime
- siesta
- repose
- drowsiness
NOUN
3. Severe physical or mental suffering
A state of intense pain, distress, or torment, or the act of causing someone to endure severe physical or psychological suffering.
3.1. Torture and extreme suffering
Refers to a historical torture device or the severe physical suffering inflicted on someone, particularly through stretching or other painful methods.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The prisoner was subjected to the rack as a form of medieval torture.
Related Words
- torture chamber
- suffering
- distress
- pain
- rack torture
- inquisition
VERB
4. Act of causing pain or distress
To subject someone or something to physical pain, mental suffering, severe strain, or oppressive treatment.
4.1. Torturing and inflicting pain
Used to describe causing severe physical pain or suffering, historically including the use of a torture device that stretched the victim's body.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The prisoners were racked with pain during the interrogation.
- The historical account described how captives were racked to extract confessions.
Related Words
4.2. Mental distress and emotional suffering
Used to describe causing someone intense worry, anxiety, guilt, grief, or emotional anguish.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She was racked with guilt after realizing the consequences of her decision.
- His mind was racked by doubts about the future.
Related Words
- anxiety
- heartache
- heartbreak
- misery
- worry
- sorrow
4.3. Straining and overburdening
Used to describe subjecting a person, body, system, or structure to excessive pressure, effort, stress, or physical strain.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- ease
- relieve
- alleviate
- assist
Examples
- The prolonged drought racked the agricultural economy.
- The demanding schedule racked the workers with exhaustion.
Related Words
VERB
5. Placing or arranging objects on a rack
To place, hang, or arrange something on a rack or supporting frame for storage, display, or a particular purpose.
5.1. Storage and placement
Used to describe putting objects onto a rack or arranging them in a designated supporting structure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The workers racked the freshly cleaned equipment in the storage room.
- The chef racked the dishes after washing them.
Related Words
VERB
6. Arranging balls for a billiards game
The act of placing billiard or pool balls into a triangular or diamond-shaped formation before the beginning of a game.
6.1. Billiards and pool preparation
Used in cue sports to describe arranging the balls tightly together in a designated formation before the opening shot.
Synonyms
- arrange
- position
- set up
- assemble
Examples
- The player carefully racked the balls before taking the opening shot.
- He asked his opponent to rack the balls for another game.
Related Words
- billiards
- pool
- cue
- cue ball
- break shot
- triangle
- pool table