Meaning & Definition of word "Clench"
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!