Definition

Noun (plural form, often used with a singular meaning) 1. Power, control, or possession, especially when unwanted or harmful: Refers to a state of being under someone's or something's powerful and often inescapable influence or grasp. 2. A tight grasp or grip: The physical act of seizing and holding firmly.

Usage

The word "clutches" is most commonly used in its figurative sense (#1) to describe a situation where a person, organization, or negative force has control over someone or something. It often carries a negative or desperate connotation. The literal sense (#2) is less frequent but valid.

Examples

• Figurative (Power/Control):
  • The hero finally escaped from the clutches of the villain.
  • The country fell into the clutches of a brutal dictatorship.
  • She was determined to free her family from the clutches of poverty.
• Literal (Grasp):
  • He felt the cold clutches of the monster around his ankle. (This usage is more literary or dramatic.)

Advanced Usage

• "In/into the clutches of [someone/something]": This is the most common prepositional phrase. It describes the state of being under control.
  • The document fell into the clutches of enemy agents.
• "From the clutches of [someone/something]": Used to describe escape or rescue from that control.
  • The organization works to rescue animals from the clutches of illegal traders.

Variants and Related Words

• Clutch (verb): To grasp or hold tightly.
  • She clutched her bag as she walked through the crowd.
• Clutch (noun, singular): A tight grasp; a critical situation (e.g., ); a device for connecting/disconnecting engine power in a vehicle.
• Clutch bag (noun): A small handbag without a handle, held in the hand.

Synonyms

• Grasp: The act of holding.
• Grip: A firm hold.
• Clasp: A hold, often with the hands or arms.
• Control: The power to influence or direct.
• Possession: The state of having ownership or control.

Related Phrases

• In someone's clutches: Under someone's control or power.
  • Once you are in his clutches, it is very hard to get free.
• Fall into the clutches of: To come under the control of.
  • The small business fell into the clutches of a large corporation.

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