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.

Origin of clasp

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

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

Synonyms for clasp

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR clasp ON THESAURUS.COM

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

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

Related Words for clasp

grasp, clutch, clamp, fasten, grip, hug, clip, pin, snap, buckle, clinch, brooch, hasp, fastening, grapple, embrace, clench, catch, hold, hook

Examples from the Web for clasp

Contemporary Examples of 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
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 Show
Robert W. Chambers
February 20, 2014
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
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.
Shocking New Knox Twist
Barbie Latza Nadeau
April 18, 2010

Historical Examples of clasp

She swayed a little, so that the officer tightened his clasp on her wrist.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
So vigorous was her movement that Cassidy's clasp was thrown off the wrist.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
He received the medal and clasp, Khedive's star and the 3rd class of the Medjidie.
The Story of the Malakand Field Force
Sir Winston S. Churchill
She struggled weakly to free herself, and his clasp only tightened jealously.
Good Indian
B. M. Bower
She looked from one to the other, and all she could do was to clasp her hands and smile.
Hetty's Strange History
Anonymous

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

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)).

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

clasp in Medicine

clasp

[klăsp]

n.

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