clinch

Noun

• a tight or amorous embrace
  • come here and give me a big hug
    

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

• the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet

• a small slip noose made with seizing

• (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily

Verb

• settle conclusively
  • clinch a deal
    

• flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
  • the nails were clinched
    

• embrace amorously

• hold in a tight grasp
  • clench a steering wheel
    

• hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches

• secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
  • The girder was clinched into the wall
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  hug , squeeze , clamp , clench