clench

Meaning

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To grip or hold fast.
2. (ambitransitive) To close tightly.
3. (alt-of, alternative, ambitransitive) Alternative form of clinch (“bend and hammer a nail”).
4. (alt-of, ambitransitive, dated) Dated form of clinch (“make certain, finalize”).

Noun

1. (ambitransitive) A tight grip.
2. (alt-of, alternative, ambitransitive) Alternative form of clinch (“the act of bending and hammering the point of a nail so it cannot be removed”).
3. (ambitransitive) A seal that is applied to formed thin-wall bushings.
4. (ambitransitive) A local chapter of the Church of the SubGenius parody religion.
5. (ambitransitive, obsolete) A pun.

Synonyms

clinch

grip

grasp

hold

clasp

squeeze

clutch

tighten

purse

👛

clutches

compress

press

gnash

constrict

clamp

🗜️

press together

pinch

close tightly

cramp

gripe

grind

quibble

round

rounded

seize

set

settle

stirrup

strain

strangulate

strangulation

tightening

tongs

grasp tightly

hold tightly

pincer clamp

bite

clamp frame

brace up

clam

clenched

clip

confirm

constriction

depress

double

draw together

enfold

engage

fist

✊

Translations

stringere

serrer

zusammenbeißen

stretta

apretar

kavramak

presa

mandal

σφίξιμο

ballen

σφίγγω

ballen

empuñar

kavrama

sıkma

Pronounced as (IPA)

/klɛnt͡ʃ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: clenchen

Inherited from Old English: clenċan

Inherited from Old English: clenġan

In summary

From Middle English clenchen, from Old English clenċan (“to clinch; hold fast”), a variant of Old English clenġan (“to adhere; remain”), from Proto-Germanic *klangijaną, causative of *klinganą (“to stick; adhere”). Related to cling.