clench
pronunciation
How to pronounce clench in British English:
UK [klentʃ]
How to pronounce clench in American English:
US [klentʃ]
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- Noun:
- a small slip noose made with seizing
- the act of grasping
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- Verb:
- hold in a tight grasp
- squeeze together tightly
Word Origin
- clench
- clench: see cling
- clench (v.)
- Old English (be)clencan "to hold fast, make cling," causative of clingan (see cling); compare stench/stink. Related: Clenched; clenching.
- clench (n.)
- "part of a nail that clinchers," 1590s, from clench (v.). Meaning "a grasp, grip" is from 1779.
Example
- 1. Still , when the economy grinds to a halt , people clench their teeth .
- 2. If you clench your jaw when stressed , try a relaxingjaw massage .
- 3. Do you cross your arms or clench your fists ?
- 4. His fingers clench and unclench , in spasms of pain .
- 5. I clench my fists together and shake my head .