Definition

1. Noun:

   • A lock of hair that has been artificially waved or curled: A small section of hair that has been formed into a wave or curl, typically using heat or a mechanical device.
   • Someone who tricks or coerces men into service as sailors or soldiers: A person, historically, who entraps or deceives individuals into military or naval service.
   • An angular or rounded shape made by folding; a fold or crease: A small, sharp fold or ridge pressed into a material.

2. Verb:

   • To curl tightly: To form hair into small, tight waves or curls.
   • To make ridges into by pinching together: To press or pinch a material to create a series of small, parallel folds, often to seal or decorate.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Her hair was styled with delicate crimps. (Her hair was styled with delicate waves.)
  • In the 18th century, a crimp might kidnap men for the navy. (In the 18th century, a person who tricked men might kidnap them for the navy.)
  • Make a crimp in the fabric to mark where the seam should be. (Make a fold in the fabric to mark where the seam should be.)

• Verb:

  • She used a special iron to crimp her hair for the party. (She used a special iron to curl her hair tightly for the party.)
  • Crimp the edges of the pie crust to seal it. (Pinch the edges of the pie crust together to seal it.)

Advanced Usage

• "To put a crimp in/into (something)": (Idiom, chiefly US) To hinder, impede, or put a damper on something.
  • The sudden rain put a crimp in our picnic plans. (The sudden rain hindered our picnic plans.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crimper (n): A tool or person that crimps.
• Crimpy (adj): Having a crimped texture.

Synonyms

• Noun (fold): Fold, crease, pleat, ridge.
• Verb (to curl): Wave, curl, frizz.
• Verb (to pinch): Flute, pinch, pleat.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Crimp on: (Technical) To attach or secure by crimping, as with a connector.
  • Crimp the terminal on the end of the wire. (Attach the terminal to the end of the wire by pinching it.)

Related Idioms

• "To crimp someone's style": A variation meaning to restrict someone's self-expression or hinder their plans.
  • Strict office rules can really crimp your style. (Strict office rules can really restrict your self-expression.)

Noun

1. a lock of hair that has been artificially waved or curled
2. someone who tricks or coerces men into service as sailors or soldiers
3. an angular or rounded shape made by folding
   • a fold in the napkin
   • a crease in his trousers
   • a plication on her blouse
   • a flexure of the colon
   • a bend of his elbow

Verb

1. curl tightly
   • crimp hair
2. make ridges into by pinching together