clenched
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Closed or squeezed together tightly: Describes something, typically a part of the body like a hand or jaw, that is held in a tight, closed position due to tension, effort, or strong emotion.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- He spoke with a clenched jaw, trying to control his anger.
- She walked onto the stage with clenched fists, feeling very nervous.
- The boxer waited for the signal with his fists clenched.
Advanced Usage
- "clenched teeth": A common phrase describing the action of pressing one's teeth together tightly, often due to pain, anger, determination, or stress.
- She endured the pain with clenched teeth.
- Describing a state of intense emotional or physical tension.
- A look of clenched determination was on her face.
Variants and Related Words
- Clench (verb): To close or hold something very tightly.
- He clenched the steering wheel as he drove through the storm.
- Unclenched (adjective): The opposite state; relaxed or opened.
- After the announcement, his unclenched hands finally relaxed.
Synonyms
- Closed tightly
- Gripped
- Clutched
- Squeezed shut
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To clench one's fist: To tightly close one's hand into a fist.
- He clenched his fist in frustration.
- To clench one's teeth/jaw: To press one's teeth or jaw together tightly.
- I had to clench my teeth to stop myself from saying something rude.
Adjective
- closed or squeezed together tightly
- a clenched fist
- his clenched (or clinched) teeth