death grip

American  

[deth grip] / ˈdɛθ ˌgrɪp /

noun

1. a very tight grip caused by fear or panic, as if facing death (often used facetiously).

   Scared out of my wits, and with a death grip on the motorbike's handlebars, I swore never again to ride on wet pavement.

   You don’t need to have such a death grip on the bat while waiting for the pitch, you know.

2. a very tight grip on someone, as to strangle or completely overpower them.

   As he knelt, the attacker took him from behind in a death grip, one hand clamped down firmly on his head, the other like a vise around his chest.

3. tyrannical or unrelenting control.

   Debt has a death grip on so many people's lives.

   These few media giants have had a death grip on the industry for the past decade.

4. Slang: Vulgar. a very tight grip on the penis when masturbating.

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Etymology

Origin of death grip

First recorded in 1730–40; 2010–15 death grip for def. 4

Example Sentences

Surely the man who held “The Tonight Show” in a death grip for 22 years has some thoughts.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2025

When we as parents release our death grip on money and privilege, we find a community ready to take our hands and great teachers who are giving their all.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Korean dramas are able to "articulate the death grip that parents have over children that no one in the West will be able to understand the way we do", Ms Nair says.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2023

“I’m out there holding a death grip on the steering wheel for four hours, just trying to hang on,” Larson said.

From Washington Times • Mar. 7, 2022

He had his desktop in a death grip.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck