tweak

[ tweek ]

/ twik /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR tweak ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to pinch and pull with a jerk and twist: to tweak someone's ear; to tweak someone's nose.

to pull or pinch the nose of, especially gently: He tweaked the baby on greeting.

to make a minor adjustment to: to tweak a computer program.

noun

an act or instance of tweaking; a sharp, twisting pull or jerk.

RELATED WORDS

twist, tease, pinch, jerk, pluck, pull

Nearby words

Origin of tweak

First recorded in 1595–1605; akin to twitch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for tweak

Paul has advised that America should resist those who want to “tweak Russia all the time.”
Rand Paul Gives War a Chance|Olivia Nuzzi|August 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But they do need to tweak the formula so that it stays relevant.
Burger King’s New French Fries Took Ten Years to Develop|Daniel Gross|September 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Juicy J claims the label wanted them to tweak their sound, transitioning from their crunk roots to more pop-oriented material.
Juicy J, Oscar-Winning Former Three 6 Mafia Rapper, on His Triumphant Return|Marlow Stern|May 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He was ready to tweak the cost-of-living formula for Social Security.
Lessons From the Fiscal Cliff: the Political Fallout|Robert Shrum|January 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines By Nic Sheff Tweak is a modern memoir of adolescent and young-adult drug addiction.
11 Books of Drug-Fueled Escapades|Brian H. Bookman|June 29, 2012|DAILY BEAST
"Wait until our Decembers tweak the top of your imperial nose off," said Eeny, shivering in anticipation.
Kate Danton, or, Captain Danton's Daughters|May Agnes Fleming
Now one of his hands stole up to tweak her ear—signal of surrender.
Dust of the Desert|Robert Welles Ritchie
Bert felt the tweak of that same worry, too, but his course was set.
Big Pill|Raymond Zinke Gallun
But evidently the answer didn't suit Guffey, for he grabbed Peter's nose and gave it a tweak that brought the tears into his eyes.
100%: The Story of a Patriot|Upton Sinclair
Professor Dane made a mental note to put in a long distance call to Wally that evening and tweak his nose a bit.
This is Klon Calling|Walt Sheldon

British Dictionary definitions for tweak

tweak

/ (twiːk) /

verb (tr)

to twist, jerk, or pinch with a sharp or sudden movementto tweak someone's nose

motor racing slang to tune (a car or engine) for peak performance

informal to make a minor alteration

noun

an instance of tweaking

informal a minor alteration

Derived Formstweaky, adjective

Word Origin for tweak

Old English twiccian; related to Old High German zwecchōn; see twitch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for tweak

tweak

"pinch, pluck, twist," usually to the nose, probably from Old English twiccian "to pluck," of obscure origin; perhaps related to twitch. Meaning "to make fine adjustments" is attested from 1966. Related: Tweaked; tweaking. The noun in this sense is recorded by 1989.