Cling

/klɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to hold on tightly to something.

The child began to cling to her mother's leg during the thunderstorm.

to remain close to someone or something.

He likes to cling to his old toys, even though he has outgrown them.

to stick or hold fast to a surface.

The wet clothes cling to my skin, making me feel uncomfortable.

to have a strong emotional attachment to someone.

She tends to cling to her friends for support when times get tough.

Old English 'clingan', meaning 'to adhere, stick, or cling'.

cling to one's guns

to hold firmly to one's beliefs or principles.

cling to hope

to maintain a belief that a positive outcome is possible despite difficulties.

cling to the past

to hold onto past experiences or memories instead of moving forward.

clinger

a person who clings or holds on tightly, often emotionally.

cling film

a type of plastic wrap that clings to itself and to surfaces, used for covering food.

to be overly dependent on someone in a relationship.

She's so clingy; she can't even let him go out with his friends.

to follow someone closely or annoyingly.

Dude, stop being so clingy, give me some space!