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

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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)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use clasp in a sentence

You fumble with the clasp on your own comm cuff, slide the cuff loose and set it on the table.
Dark spaces on the map|Katie McLean|December 18, 2020|MIT Technology Review
For example, someone shopping for a luxury handbag can zoom in on the clasps, zipper, material and more.
4 ways to make your e-commerce experience engaging and bright|Sponsored Content: Cloudinary|October 27, 2020|Search Engine Land
They are really lightweight and easy to slip on so no more fumbling with a tricky watch clasp.
Smartwatch accessories to give your high-tech friends and family|PopSci Commerce Team|October 1, 2020|Popular-Science
But the wanderer arrives out from the depths of time—he lives with his arms clasped tightly around hunger.
The Queen of the French Kitchen|Katie Baker|March 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Kate often stands with her hands clasped before her, but to do so while walking up steps is pretty weird, right?
Kate Middleton Is Pregnant. For Real.|Tom Sykes|December 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Hernandez clasped his hands behind his back, the fingers slender, almost delicate, needing a weapon to have conveyed any menace.
Chicago Gang Shootings Spike as the City Tries to Cope|Michael Daly|April 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Hands clasped as if she were applauding Romney, or hugging him, she said it was “beautiful.”
Michelle Obama’s Charm Offensive|Margaret Carlson|February 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
As I left him, I clasped his hand and said "jaarama"—thank you, in Fulani.
How the Gambia is Fighting FGC|Julia Lalla-Maharajh|February 5, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The old man stood, with eyes downcast and hands clasped before him, a picture of humility.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
The boy, a trifle sullen since the last words, stood on the hearth with his back to the fire, his hands clasped behind him.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
The dirty old black hand clasped the tender little white one, which nestled into it gratefully.
A Lost Hero|Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward and Herbert D. Ward
With one hand he clasped her arm; with the other, in a superb gesture, he indicated the sunlit world outside.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
He clasped his hands together, and involuntarily uttered a subdued exclamation of horror.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens

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

clasp

OTHER WORDS FOR clasp

Origin of clasp

OTHER WORDS FROM 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