clench

[klench]
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.
00:10
Clench is one of our favorite verbs.
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to flee; abscond:
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

clench, clinch.


2. clasp, clutch.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
clench (klɛntʃ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
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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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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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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