clasp

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable) A device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together, such as a fastener or a holder.
2. (countable) A bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to either indicate an additional award of the medal, or the action or service for which it was awarded.
3. (uncountable) An embrace, a grasp, or handshake.

Verb

1. (transitive) To take hold of; to grasp.
2. (transitive) To shut or fasten together with, or as if with, a clasp.
3. (intransitive, obsolete, rare) To cling.

Synonyms

embrace

grasp

grip

buckle

hold

hug

hook

🪝

brooch

press

clutch

clamp

🗜️

squeeze

fasten

pin

clench

catch

fastener

grab

join

hasp

button

clip

enfold

take hold of

clinch

attach

seize

pinch

stick

cling

cuddle

latch

handshake

🤝

clutches

broach

fasten up

embrance

secure

hold tightly

hitch

hairpin

gripe

adhere

fix

constrict

entwine

fold

agraf

overcome

clincher

Translations

Spange

fermoir

abbracciare

fermaglio

serrer

corchete

slot

🔒

agrafer

agrafe

broche

umklammern

klammern

Schnalle

Verschluss

serrare

Pronounced as (IPA)

/klæsp/

Etymology

Inherited from Old English: clyppan

Cognate with English: enclasp

In summary

Noun dated ca. 1300 and verb dated ca. 1400; from Middle English claspe (“metal catch or hook used to hold things together”), possible metathesis of clapse, which comes from or related to Old English clyppan (“clasp”) (also see clip (verb)). Related to English enclasp (“embrace, hold tightly in one's arms”).