clinch

[klinch]

verb (used with object)

1. to settle (a matter) decisively.

   After they clinched the deal they went out to celebrate.

   Synonyms: confirm, conclude, close, secure, cinch

2. to secure (a nail, screw, etc.) in position by beating down the protruding point.

   He drove the nails through the board and clinched the points flat with a hammer.

3. to fasten (objects) together by nails, screws, etc., secured in this manner.

4. Nautical.,  to fasten by a clinch.

verb (used without object)

1. Boxing.,  to engage in a clinch.

   The boxers clinched and were separated by the referee.

2. Slang.,  to embrace, especially passionately.

3. (of a clinched nail, screw, etc.) to hold fast; be secure.

noun

1. the act of clinching.

2. Boxing.,  an act or instance of one or both boxers holding the other about the arms or body in order to prevent or hinder the opponent's punches.

3. Slang.,  a passionate embrace.

4. a clinched nail or fastening.

5. the bent part of a clinched nail, screw, etc.

6. a knot or bend in which a bight or eye is made by making a loop or turn in the rope and seizing the end to the standing part.

7. Archaic.,  a pun.

clinch

/ klɪntʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to secure (a driven nail) by bending the protruding point over

2. (tr) to hold together in such a manner

   to clinch the corners of the frame

3. (tr) to settle (something, such as an argument, bargain, etc) in a definite way

4. (tr) nautical to fasten by means of a clinch

5. (intr) to engage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling

noun

1. the act of clinching

2. 1. a nail with its point bent over

   2. the part of such a nail, etc, that has been bent over

3. boxing wrestling an act or an instance in which one or both competitors hold on to the other to avoid punches, regain wind, etc

4. slang,  a lovers' embrace

5. nautical a loop or eye formed in a line by seizing the end to the standing part.

Other Word Forms

• clinchingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinch¹

First recorded in 1560–70; later variant of Middle English clench

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinch¹

C16: variant of _clench

Example Sentences

The controversy deflected attention from McLaren clinching the constructors' championship for the second year in a row.

From BBC

McLaren are poised to clinch their second consecutive constructors' title on Sunday.

From BBC

But Skinner said his side's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - proved the Blues won't have it quite as easy this time around.

From BBC

Piastri leads Norris by 25 points with seven races to go heading into the weekend in Singapore, while McLaren are poised to clinch the constructors' championship on Sunday.

From BBC

They were motivated to clinch a deal without provoking the ire of YouTube TV’s base of nearly 10 million customers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assure 
• cap 
• conclude 
• decide 
• seal