Definition

1. Noun:

   • A device that holds things firmly together: A tool, typically made of metal, used to grip, fasten, or press objects tightly, often to hold them in place while working or to secure them together.

2. Verb:

   • To fasten, grip, or hold tightly with a clamp: To use a clamp to secure objects.
   • To impose or apply something forcefully and restrictively: To establish a control, rule, or restriction in a strict or severe manner.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Use a clamp to hold the pieces of wood together while the glue dries.
  • The mechanic tightened the clamp around the hose.

• Verb (to fasten):

  • Clamp the two boards together.
  • He clamped the microphone to the stand.

• Verb (to impose forcefully):

  • The city clamped a ban on public gatherings.
  • New regulations were clamped on the industry.

Advanced Usage

• "to clamp down (on)": To act strictly to stop or limit an activity.

  • The police are clamping down on speeding in this area.
  • The government clamped down on media freedom.

• "to clamp one's mouth shut": To close one's mouth tightly, often to prevent speaking or showing emotion.

  • She clamped her mouth shut to stop herself from crying out.

Variants and Related Words

• Clampdown (n): A severe or concerted attempt to suppress something.

  • The security clampdown prevented any protests.

• C-clamp (n): A type of clamp shaped like the letter "C".

• Bar clamp (n): A clamp with a long bar for holding wider objects.

Synonyms

• Noun (device): Vice, grip, brace, fastener.
• Verb (fasten): Grip, secure, fasten, fix.
• Verb (impose): Impose, inflict, enforce, apply.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Clamp down on: To take strong action to stop or reduce something.

  • The school is clamping down on bullying.

• Clamp onto: To attach or hold onto something tightly with a clamp or a similar force.

  • The robot arm clamped onto the component.

Related Idioms

• To put/wield a clamp on something: To place strict controls on something.
  • The new law put a clamp on illegal logging.

Noun

1. a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together

Verb

1. impose or inflict forcefully
   • The military government clamped a curfew onto the capital
2. fasten or fix with a clamp
   • clamp the chair together until the glue has hardened