clench
verb (used with object)
to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.
had clenched
-
past perfectof clench.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Manager Graham Potter had looked distraught when Gallagher scored for Palace, but he had clenched fists and a glimmer of relief when his side drew level with time running out.
From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2022
He had grooves in his front teeth where he had clenched his clay pipe as he worked, and evidence in his spine that he was engaged in hard labor.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 5, 2017
I had clenched the guard rail on the side of the bed between my molars.
From Salon ● Mar. 16, 2014
On twelve, no, 13 previous assignments for Her Majesty's Cinema Service, he had clenched his wits against some of the modern world's most notorious dastards.
From Time Magazine Archive
Kingshaw had stood by the door and felt himself near to tears, his own stomach had clenched every time he heard the swish of the water.
From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill
