Definition

1. Verb (past tense and past participle of cling):
   • To hold tightly or adhere closely: "clung" describes the action of holding on firmly to something or sticking to a surface.
   • To remain emotionally attached: It can also mean to stay loyal or devoted to a person, idea, or habit.

Usage Examples

• Physical adhesion:

  • The wet shirt clung to her skin after she fell into the pool. (The fabric stuck tightly to her body.)
  • The child clung to his mother's leg, refusing to let go. (He held on firmly with his hands.)

• Emotional or abstract attachment:

  • She clung to the belief that everything would be fine. (She held onto the idea persistently.)
  • He clung to his old friends despite moving far away. (He remained loyal and close to them.)

Advanced Usage

• "clung to life": to survive with great effort, often in a medical context.

  • The patient clung to life for several days after the accident. (She fought to stay alive despite severe injuries.)

• "clung to power": to hold onto authority or control stubbornly.

  • The dictator clung to power despite widespread protests. (He refused to give up his leadership.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cling (verb, present tense): the base form.

  • The fabric clings to the body when wet. (It sticks closely.)

• Clingy (adjective): tending to hold on tightly or be emotionally dependent.

  • Her clingy toddler wouldn't let her leave the room. (The child held onto her constantly.)

• Clinging (adjective/gerund): describing something that adheres or a person who is overly attached.

  • The clinging vine wrapped around the tree. (The plant held on tightly.)

Synonyms

• Clutched: held tightly with the hands.
• Adhered: stuck firmly to a surface.
• Grasped: seized and held firmly.
• Clasped: held closely in the arms or hands.

Related Idioms

• Cling to the past: to refuse to accept change or move forward.

  • She still clung to the past, remembering her childhood home. (She held onto old memories.)

• Cling like a limpet: to hold on very tightly and persistently.

  • The toddler clung like a limpet to his father's neck. (He held on extremely firmly.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Cling on: to hold onto something tightly, often for support.

  • He clung on to the railing as the boat rocked. (He held the railing firmly.)

• Cling to: to hold onto something or someone physically or emotionally.

  • She clung to her faith during difficult times. (She maintained her religious belief steadfastly.)