clasp
[klasp, klahsp]
- a device, usually of metal, for fastening together two or more things or parts of the same thing: a clasp for paper money; a clasp on a necklace.
- a firm grasp or grip: a clasp of hands.
- a tight embrace: She held the child in a loving clasp.
- a small bar or metal design, as a star, for affixing to the ribbon of a military decoration to indicate that the bearer has been awarded the decoration an additional time.
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- to fasten with or as with a clasp.
- to furnish with a clasp.
- to seize, grasp, or grip with the hand: She clasped the club in her hand.
- to hold in a tight embrace; hug: He clasped the child to him.
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- to embrace or hug: The lovers clasped.
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Origin of clasp
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
graspclutchclampfastengriphugclippinsnapbuckleclinchbroochhaspfasteninggrappleembraceclenchcatchholdhookExamples from the Web for clasp
Contemporary Examples
Normally of good balance, I found myself reaching for the handrail, unable to clasp it for the refreshments in my hands.
On the pink cotton inside lay a clasp of black onyx, on which was inlaid a curious symbol or letter in gold.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the ShowRobert W. Chambers
February 20, 2014
Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp.
He lets her stare deep into his eyes, clasp his hands for meaningful conversation, caress his face, and even lean in for a kiss.
John McCain & More Politicos’ Comedy Sitcom Cameo Wins & Fails (VIDEO)Kevin Fallon
September 21, 2012
The clasp was left for six weeks in the house between the time it was identified and collected into evidence.
Historical Examples
She swayed a little, so that the officer tightened his clasp on her wrist.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
So vigorous was her movement that Cassidy's clasp was thrown off the wrist.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
He received the medal and clasp, Khedive's star and the 3rd class of the Medjidie.
The Story of the Malakand Field ForceSir Winston S. Churchill
She struggled weakly to free herself, and his clasp only tightened jealously.
Good IndianB. M. Bower
She looked from one to the other, and all she could do was to clasp her hands and smile.
Hetty's Strange HistoryAnonymous
clasp
- a fastening, such as a catch or hook, used for holding things together
- a firm grasp, hold, or embrace
- military a bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to indicate either a second award or the battle, campaign, or reason for its award
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- to hold in a firm grasp
- to grasp firmly with the hand
- to fasten together with or as if with a clasp
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Word Origin
C14: of uncertain origin; compare Old English clyppan to embrace
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for clasp
n.
c.1300, claspe, "metal catch or hook used to hold things together," perhaps a metathesis of clapse, and thus from or related to Old English clyppan "clasp" (see clip (v.2)).
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v.
late 14c., from clasp (n.). Related: Clasped; clasping.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
clasp
(klăsp)- A part of a removable partial denture that directly retains or stabilizes a denture.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.