clasp

/klɑ:sp/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
clasp

The child clasped her hands together in excitement.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A fastening device: A clasp is a device, such as a buckle, hook, or catch, used to hold two things or parts together securely.
    • A firm grasp or grip: A clasp refers to the act of holding something tightly with the hand or arms.
  2. Verb:

    • To fasten securely: To clasp means to fasten something with or as if with a clasp.
    • To hold tightly: To clasp means to grasp something firmly with the hand or to hold someone or something tightly in one's arms.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • The clasp on her necklace broke. (The fastening device on her necklace broke.)
    • He felt the reassuring clasp of his friend's hand on his shoulder. (He felt the reassuring grip of his friend's hand on his shoulder.)
  • Verb:

    • She clasped the bracelet around her wrist. (She fastened the bracelet securely around her wrist.)
    • The child clasped the teddy bear tightly. (The child held the teddy bear tightly.)
    • They clasped hands before saying goodbye. (They held each other's hands firmly before saying goodbye.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to clasp one's hands": To hold one's own hands together, often tightly, typically indicating anxiety, pleading, or deep thought.

    • She clasped her hands in prayer. (She held her hands together tightly in prayer.)
  • "in a clasp": Being held in a firm grip or embrace.

    • The letter was held in the clasp of the old book. (The letter was held securely within the grip of the old book's pages.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Clasp knife: (noun) A folding knife with a catch to hold the blade open.
  • Unclasp: (verb) To release or undo a clasp; to let go of a grip.
    • He unclasped his fingers from the railing. (He released his grip on the railing.)
Synonyms
  • Noun (fastener): Buckle, catch, hook, fastener.
  • Noun/Verb (grip): Grip, grasp, hold, clutch, embrace.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Clasp" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms
  • To clasp at straws: A less common variant of "to clutch at straws," meaning to try any possible method, even if it is unlikely to help, in a desperate situation.
    • He was clasping at straws to find an excuse. (He was trying desperately to find an excuse.)
clasp

The child clasped her hands together in excitement.

Noun
  1. the act of grasping
    • he released his clasp on my arm
    • he has a strong grip for an old man
    • she kept a firm hold on the railing
  2. a fastener (as a buckle or hook) that is used to hold two things together
Verb
  1. grasp firmly
    • The child clasped my hands
  2. fasten with a buckle or buckles
  3. fasten with or as if with a brooch
  4. hold firmly and tightly