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View synonyms for clench

clench

[ klench ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.
  2. to grasp firmly; grip.

    Synonyms: clutch, clasp



verb (used without object)

  1. to close or knot up tightly:

    His hands clenched as he faced his enemy.

noun

  1. the act of clenching.
  2. a tight hold; grip.
  3. something that clenches or holds fast.

clench

/ klɛntʃ /

verb

  1. to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc) tightly
  2. to grasp or grip firmly


noun

  1. a firm grasp or grip
  2. a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp

noun

  1. See clinch
    another word for clinch

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Word History and Origins

Origin of clench1

1200–50; Middle English clenchen; compare Old English beclencan hold fast

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Word History and Origins

Origin of clench1

Old English beclencan, related to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank noose, Dutch klinken rivet

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Example Sentences

There are different activation settings pilots can choose, but Lee demonstrated using a short clench, followed by a long clench, to activate the pair of lights on his helmet.

You know how you can clench and make all the blood go into your head?

These are the kind of challenges the first gay NFL player will likely have to clench his teeth and push through.

You almost wanted him to clench his teeth, slam his fist, kick the lectern—anything to show that he was teed off.

It provokes a physical reaction in most of us—we jump up out of our chairs, grab at the air and clench our fists.

Young Dave's face wore a sudden malignant sympathy which made June clench her hands a little more tightly.

It means properly a small sum of money paid to clench a bargain, or to ratify an engagement.

Let this right hand, which I now raise in air, and clench in awful menace, warn you not to repeat the damning accusation.

Take the rifle”—handing it to her—“go a few yards back, and when I clench my open hand behind me, like this, shoot.

Look how some lie still clench'd with savages In all-embracing death, their bloody hands Glued in each other's hair!

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