Definition

Verb: - To act more strictly to stop or limit an activity, especially by using official power or authority. It implies a sudden or strong effort to suppress something considered undesirable or illegal.

Usage

This verb is typically used with the preposition "on" to specify the target of the restrictive action. It describes a decisive, often intensified, effort by authorities (like police, governments, or management) to enforce rules or laws.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The government decided to clamp down on tax evasion.
  • After several accidents, the school clamped down on running in the hallways.
  • The police are clamping down on speeding in residential areas.

Advanced Usage

• "to clamp down hard": To apply restrictions with particular severity or force.
  • The new mayor promised to clamp down hard on corruption.

Variants and Related Words

• Crackdown (n): A series of severe measures to restrict undesirable or illegal activity.
  • The police launched a crackdown on organized crime.

Synonyms

• Suppress: To end something by force.
• Curb: To restrain or keep in check.
• Restrict: To put a limit on something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Clamp down on: (This is the standard phrasal verb form of the word). To take strict action to stop an activity.
  • The company clamped down on employees using social media during work hours.

Verb

1. repress or suppress (something regarded as undesirable)
   • The police clamped down on illegal drugs