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clasp

[ klasp, klahsp ]
/ klæsp, klɑsp /
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See synonyms for: clasp / clasped / clasping on Thesaurus.com

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.
to embrace or hug: The lovers clasped.
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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

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
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