Definition

1. Verb:
   • To clamp / to grip: To hold something tightly, often using a tool or device that applies pressure from two sides.
   • To suppress / to repress / to hold down: To use force or authority to restrict, control, or prevent the free development or expression of something or someone.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to clamp):
  • Người thợ kìm kẹp chi tiết máy thật chặt trước khi khoan. (The worker clamped the machine part tightly before drilling.)
• Verb (to suppress):
  • Chính quyền độc tài tìm cách kìm kẹp tự do ngôn luận. (The authoritarian government seeks to suppress freedom of speech.)
  • Cảm xúc của anh ấy bị kìm kẹp suốt nhiều năm. (His emotions were repressed for many years.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a forceful, restrictive, and sometimes unjust action. When used in social or political contexts (to suppress/repress), it carries a strongly negative connotation of oppression.

Variants and Related Words

• Kìm cặp (v): A variant with the same core meanings of to clamp and to suppress.
• Kìm hãm (v): To hinder, to hold back (development, progress).
  • Nỗi sợ hãi kìm hãm sự sáng tạo. (Fear hinders creativity.)
• Kìm (n): Pliers, a tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting.

Synonyms

• To clamp, to grip, to pin.
• To suppress, to repress, to stifle, to oppress, to subdue.

Related Idioms

• Bị kìm kẹp: To be under suppression; to be held in check.
  • Nhân dân bị kìm kẹp dưới chế độ đó. (The people were suppressed under that regime.)