clench
verb (used with object)
to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.
was clenching
-
past progressiveof clench.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"He was clenching his fists and his behaviour completely changed," she said.
From BBC ● May 27, 2025
On the ninth, he was clenching his jaw before hitting out of the rough into an uphill green.
From Seattle Times ● May 20, 2022
Patie was clenching my hand, almost breaking it.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 29, 2017
Apparently I was clenching my teeth so much in my sleep during the deployment that I cracked a couple of them,” she said.
From Time ● Jan. 28, 2013
He discovered that he was clenching his fists.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
