clench
/klentʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To close or squeeze tightly: To contract or press parts together firmly, often with force or determination.
- To grasp or hold firmly: To take and keep a very tight physical hold on something.
Noun:
- A tight grasp or grip: The act of holding something very tightly.
- A state of tight closure: The condition of being tightly closed or contracted.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- She clenched her fists in anger. (She tightly closed her hands into fists because she was angry.)
- He had to clench the rope to keep from falling. (He had to hold the rope very tightly to prevent a fall.)
- Try not to clench your jaw when you're stressed. (Try to avoid tightly pressing your teeth together when under stress.)
Noun:
- The boxer's clench was so strong his opponent couldn't break free. (The boxer's tight hold prevented his opponent from escaping.)
- I felt the clench of his hand on my shoulder. (I felt the tight grip of his hand on my shoulder.)
Advanced Usage
- "To clench one's teeth": To press one's teeth together tightly, often due to pain, anger, or determination.
- She clenched her teeth and finished the difficult race.
- "In a clench": Describing a state of being tightly held or gripped.
- The two wrestlers were locked in a clench.
Variants and Related Words
- Clenched (adjective): Describing something that is tightly closed or held.
- He spoke with clenched teeth.
- Clenching (noun/gerund): The action or instance of clenching.
- The constant clenching of his jaw gave him a headache.
Synonyms
- Grip: To take and keep a firm hold of.
- Clasp: To hold tightly.
- Squeeze: To press firmly from opposite sides.
- Grasp: To seize and hold firmly.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: "Clench" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed alone or in specific constructions like "clench up.") - Clench up: (Informal) To become tense or tighten one's muscles, often involuntarily. - My stomach clenches up when I'm nervous.
Related Idioms
- To clench a deal/bargain: (Archaic/Less Common) To settle or confirm an agreement firmly.
- They shook hands to clench the bargain.
Noun
- 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
- a small slip noose made with seizing
Verb
- squeeze together tightly
- clench one's jaw
- hold in a tight grasp
- clench a steering wheel