clasp

[klasp, klahsp]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR clasp ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

verb (used with object), clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt] /klæspt, klɑspt/; clasping.

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.

verb (used without object), clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt] /klæspt, klɑspt/; clasping.

to embrace or hug: The lovers clasped.

Nearby words

Origin of clasp

1275–1325; Middle English clasp (noun), claspen (v.), perhaps blend of clippen clip² and haspe hasp

SYNONYMS FOR clasp

1. brooch, pin, clip, hook, catch. 3. hug.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR clasp ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsin·ter·clasp, verb (used with object)re·clasp, verb (used with object)

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

Examples from the Web for clasp

Normally of good balance, I found myself reaching for the handrail, unable to clasp it for the refreshments in my hands.
San Fran Kisses Its 70,000-Person Toilet Goodbye|Jon Rochmis|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp.
Autistic Holidays: How to Make It Easier for Everyone|Priscilla Gilman|December 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
The clasp was left for six weeks in the house between the time it was identified and collected into evidence.
Shocking New Knox Twist|Barbie Latza Nadeau|April 18, 2010|DAILY BEAST

If they clasp hands a third time the bargain will be closed.
Brittany|Mortimer Menpes and Dorothy Menpes
It was a pet scheme of his to make use of a sort of clasp that could only be opened with the clock key.
Christopher and the Clockmakers|Sara Ware Bassett
She drew her hand away from my clasp, yet the very movement seemed to express regret.
Gordon Craig|Randall Parrish
She slowly loosed her clasp of him and released herself from his arms.
The Jungle Girl|Gordon Casserly
Of course, he had written by every steamer, but what were letters when she was longing for the clasp of his arms?
Vistas of New York|Brander Matthews

British Dictionary definitions for clasp

clasp

noun

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

verb (tr)

to hold in a firm grasp

to grasp firmly with the hand

to fasten together with or as if with a clasp

Derived Formsclasper, noun

Word Origin for clasp

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for clasp

clasp

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)).

clasp

late 14c., from clasp (n.). Related: Clasped; clasping.

Medicine definitions for clasp

clasp

[klăsp]

n.

A part of a removable partial denture that directly retains or stabilizes a denture.

clasp

noun

verb (used with object), clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt] /klæspt, klɑspt/; clasping.

verb (used without object), clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt] /klæspt, klɑspt/; clasping.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of clasp

Examples from the Web for clasp

clasp

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for clasp

clasp

clasp

clasp

n.