fist

¹ American  

[fist] / fɪst /

noun

1. the hand closed tightly, with the fingers doubled into the palm.

2. Informal. the hand.

3. Informal. a person's handwriting.

4. Printing. index.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make (one's hand) into a fist.

2. to grasp in the fist.

fist ² American  

[fahyst] / faɪst /

noun

1. feist.

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fist British  

/ fɪst /

noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting

2. Also called: fistful.  the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand

3. an informal word for hand index

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verb

1. (tr) to hit with the fist

fist Idioms  

1. see hand over fist.

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Etymology

Origin of fist

before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳst; cognate with German Faust fist; perhaps akin to five

Example Sentences

Most famously, U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos were expelled from the 1968 Mexico City Summer Games for raising their black-gloved fists in protest of racial injustice, though they retained their medals.

From The Wall Street Journal

I nod and rub my fists against my eyes.

From Literature

Strong Jonn exclaimed in anger and stepped forward with clenched fists.

From Literature

But on Tuesday, the 24-year-old U.S. figure skater stood firm at center ice with the Olympic rings beneath his feet and his right fist raised.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Garner slammed his fist on the table.

From Literature

Related Words

• clenched fist
• hand
• paw