Meaning & Definition of word "Clench"
to
Clench
/klɛntʃ/
noun:
- 1. A tight grip or hold.
- Example: He felt a clench of anxiety in his stomach before the interview.
- 2. The action of clenching something.
- Example: With a clench of her hand, she signaled him to stop.
verb:
- 1. To close or hold tightly.
- Example: She had to clench her fists to keep from screaming.
- 2. To grip or grip tightly, especially with the muscles.
- Example: He clenched his jaw in frustration.
- 3. To press or squeeze firmly.
- Example: The dog began to clench the toy in its mouth.
Etymology
Middle English clench, variant of clinch, possibly from Old English 'clincian' meaning to 'grasp'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
clench teeth:
To bite down tightly, often due to stress or anger.
clench fist:
To make a tight fist, often as a sign of anger or determination.
clench your stomach:
To tighten the abdominal muscles, often in response to stress.
Related Words
clutch:
To grasp or seize something tightly.
grip:
To seize or hold fast.
Slang Meanings of clench
Meaning: To be very tense or anxious.
Example Sentence: I'm really clenched about this exam.
Meaning: Describing a close, tight situation.
Example Sentence: That last play was so clenched, I could hardly breathe!