clamp
noun
a device, usually of some rigid material, for strengthening or supporting objects or fastening them together.
were clamping
-
past progressiveof clamp.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.
But there were also signs that Russian authorities were clamping down on the route.
From Reuters ● Sep. 27, 2022
Staley said the Chargers needed more support from the middle of their coverage team since the Patriots were clamping down on the outside.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2021
Officers at Balloch on Loch Lomond said they were clamping down on public drinking, youth disorder and water safety issues.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2021
He realized, for instance, that the authorities, who by now were clamping down on distillation in the home, had no right to break into the home to do the clamping.
From The New Yorker ● Dec. 2, 2019
I turned to the grocer, whose jaws were clamping spasmodically upon a wad of something in his mouth, as the gaunt old man stamped out of the store.
From Four and Twenty Beds by Nancy Vogel
