clench
(klĕnch)
[Middle English clenchen, from Old English beclencan.]
transitive verb: clenched, clench·ing, clench·es.
- To close tightly: clench one's teeth; clenched my fists in anger.
- To grasp or grip tightly: clenched the steering wheel.
- To clinch (a bolt, for example).
- Nautical To fasten with a clinch.
noun
- A tight grip or grasp.
- Something, such as a mechanical device, that clenches or holds fast.
- Nautical See clinch
clinch
(klĭnch)
[Variant of clench.]
verb: clinched, clinch·ing, clinch·es.
transitive verb
- To fix or secure (a nail or bolt, for example) by bending down or flattening the pointed end that protrudes.
- To fasten together in this way.
- To settle definitely and conclusively; make final: “The cocktail circuit is a constant and more contracts are clinched over pâté than over paper” (Ann L. Trebbe)
- Sports To secure (a divisional championship, for instance) before the end of regular season play by having an insurmountable lead.
- Nautical To fasten with a clinch.
intransitive verb
- To be held together securely.
- Sports To hold a boxing opponent's body with one or both arms to prevent or hinder punches.
- Slang To embrace amorously.
noun
- Something, such as a clamp, that clinches.
- The clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet.
- Sports An act or instance of clinching in boxing.
- Nautical A knot in a rope made by a half hitch with the end of the rope fastened back by seizing. Also called clench
- Slang An amorous embrace.
