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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.
So is peculate. Does it mean:
| to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle. |
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
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. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To clench
Example Sentences
- Otherwise, any hand offered will be in the form of clench fists.
- Others in the pack clench and rip whatever parts of the body they can to help bring down their prey.
- So the next time you're faced with a choice that takes self-control, clench your fist or firm that bicep.
Collins
World English Dictionary
| clench (klɛntʃ) | |
| —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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