clasp

[ klasp, klahsp ]

/ klæsp, klɑsp /

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See synonyms for: clasp / clasped / clasping 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.

OTHER WORDS FOR clasp

1 brooch, pin, clip, hook, catch.

3 hug.

See synonyms for clasp on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of clasp

1275–1325; Middle English clasp (noun), claspen (v.), perhaps blend of clippenclip² and haspehasp

OTHER WORDS FROM clasp

in·ter·clasp, verb (used with object)re·clasp, verb (used with object)

Words nearby clasp

clary, -clase, clash, Clashing Rocks, -clasis, clasp, clasper, claspers, clasping, clasp knife, clasp-knife spasticity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use clasp in a sentence

I shifted on the couch next to Kim and in my peripheral saw her hands move into her lap and clasp.
Be a good example|April Sopkin|October 27, 2021|MIT Technology Review
While binder-style clasps add weight and bulk to a planner, they allow you to rearrange pages to suit your needs and are often compatible with customized inserts, like templates designed for project management or specific productivity methods.
Best daily planners to boost your productivity|Rowan Lyons|August 21, 2021|Popular-Science
The watch crown and clasp have engraved "M" logos, just like Mario's cap.
The $2,000 Super Mario smartwatch you’ve always wanted is here|Ron Amadeo|July 14, 2021|Ars Technica
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

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|DAILY BEAST
That metal clasp has DNA attributed to Sollecito (in multiple tests), which should have sealed the conviction.
Amanda Knox Faces Another Guilty Verdict|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When her bra was cut from her body, the assassin or assassins also cut off the tab on which the tiny metal clasp was affixed.
Amanda Knox Faces Another Guilty Verdict|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The tiny metal clasp had traces of DNA attributed to Sollecito.
Italian Court Explains Why It Overturned Amanda Knox’s Acquittal|Barbie Latza Nadeau|June 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She climbed the winding stairs that led to her mother's room, and she paused to clasp her beating heart with both her hands.
Honey-Bee|Anatole France
Felix would be troubled and angry she knew, 138 even at this clasp of an old friends hand.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
And the two understood each other better by that silent, hearty hand-clasp than they could have done with any number of words.
Gold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail|Arthur R. Thompson
She glanced downwards with averted head, awaiting some outcry of gladness, surrendering herself to the quick clasp of strong arms.
Jaffery|William J. Locke
When she did wrong, she would kneel and clasp her hands, seeming earnestly to ask to be forgiven.
Minnie's Pet Monkey|Madeline Leslie

British Dictionary definitions for clasp

clasp

/ (klɑːsp) /

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 forms of clasp

clasper, 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

Medical definitions for clasp

clasp

[ klăsp ]

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

clasp

OTHER WORDS FOR clasp

Origin of clasp

OTHER WORDS FROM clasp

Words nearby clasp

Words related to clasp

How to use clasp in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for clasp

Derived forms of clasp

Word Origin for clasp

Medical definitions for clasp