clench
Use Clench in a sentence
verb (used with object)
1.
to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.
2.
to grasp firmly; grip.
3.
clinch ( def 1 ).
4.
clinch ( defs 2–4 ).
verb (used without object)
5.
to close or knot up tightly: His hands clenched as he faced his enemy.
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Clench
is one of our favorite verbs.
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| chat, to converse |
noun
6.
the act of clenching.
7.
a tight hold; grip.
8.
something that clenches or holds fast.
9.
clinch ( defs 9, 11, 12 ).
Origin:
1200–50; Middle English clenchen; compare Old English beclencan hold fast
1200–50; Middle English clenchen; compare Old English beclencan hold fast
Synonyms
2. clasp, clutch.
2. clasp, clutch.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To clench
Collins
World English Dictionary
clench (klɛntʃ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc) tightly |
| 2. | to grasp or grip firmly |
| —n | |
| 3. | a firm grasp or grip |
| 4. | a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp |
| —n, —vb | |
| 5. | another word for clinch |
| [Old English beclencan, related to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank noose, Dutch klinken rivet] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
clench
O.E. beclencan "to hold fast, make cling," caus. of clingan (see cling).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
Afterward, slipping on the spilled water can be great for a whole-body clench.
The problem with traditional frosting decoration is that it requires you to clench a little tube, which everyone hates.
Their friends may give them strange looks, so teach them to clench their fists and furrow their brow to sell it.
So the next time you're faced with a choice that takes self-control, clench your fist or firm that bicep.
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