Definition

Noun: 1. A hand with the fingers closed tightly into the palm: This is the primary meaning, describing the physical form of a hand prepared for hitting or grasping. 2. A clenched hand used for punching: Specifically refers to the fist as a weapon or tool for striking.

Usage

The word "fist" is used to describe the shape of a hand. It is commonly associated with aggression (punching), determination (clenching), or solidarity (a raised fist).

Examples

• Noun:
  • He pounded the table with his fist in anger.
  • She made a tight fist around the coin.
  • The symbol of the raised fist represents power and defiance.

Advanced Usage

• "to make a fist": to clench one's hand into the shape of a fist.
  • The baby is learning how to make a fist.
• "iron fist": (idiomatic) a metaphor for strict, authoritarian control.
  • The ruler governed the country with an iron fist.
• "fist bump": a greeting or celebration where two people lightly tap their clenched fists together.
  • They greeted each other with a fist bump.

Variants and Related Words

• Fisted (adjective): Having fists or used in combination (e.g., meaning stingy).
• Fistful (noun): An amount that can be held in a fist.
  • He grabbed a fistful of sand.

Synonyms

• Clenched hand: A hand with fingers bent into the palm.
• Paw: (informal, sometimes humorous) A person's hand.

Related Phrases

• Hand over fist: (idiom) very rapidly and in large amounts, especially regarding earning or losing money.
  • The company was making money hand over fist.
• Rule with an iron fist: (idiom) to rule in a very strict and often cruel way.

Notes

The word "fist" is almost exclusively a noun. The verb form ("to fist") is extremely rare in modern general English and is not the primary meaning. The focus is on the noun describing the shape and function of the hand.

Noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)