clench

[klench]

verb (used with object)

1. to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.

2. to grasp firmly; grip.

   Synonyms: clutch, clasp

3. clinch.

4. clinch.

verb (used without object)

1. to close or knot up tightly.

   His hands clenched as he faced his enemy.

noun

1. the act of clenching.

2. a tight hold; grip.

3. something that clenches or holds fast.

4. clinch.

clench

/ klɛntʃ /

verb

1. to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc) tightly

2. to grasp or grip firmly

noun

1. a firm grasp or grip

2. a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp

noun

1. another word for clinch

Word History and Origins

Origin of clench¹

1200–50; Middle English clenchen; compare Old English beclencan hold fast

Word History and Origins

Origin of clench¹

Old English beclencan, related to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank noose, Dutch klinken rivet

Example Sentences

At the helm of a massive shiny black truck bearing the Teamsters insignia, a driver clenched a cigar between his teeth as he steered with one hand and pulled an overhead horn with the other.

From Los Angeles Times

When she weakly advises him to tuck in the shirt a little more, he snarls through a clenched jaw, “It’s tucked into my socks!”

From Salon

Lights down, armrest gripped, teeth clenched - just an average evening at the cinema for a horror film fan.

From BBC

The 34-year-old Dimitrov, who has now been forced to retire in each of his past five Grand Slam appearances, clenched his right pectoral muscle and could not continue following a short medical timeout.

From BBC

He said he placed his hands on Mr Amaaz's left arm, but said he was "met with immediate resistance" and that he felt the suspect "clench his fists".

From BBC

Related Words

• clamp 
• clasp 
• clutch