clench Definition
- 1close into a tight ball, especially when feeling extreme anger or frustration
- 2grasp (something) tightly
- 3set or close (the teeth) firmly
Using clench: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "clench" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She clenched her fists in anger.
Example
He clenched the steering wheel tightly.
Example
I had to clench my teeth to keep from screaming.
Example
The dog clenched the bone between its teeth.
clench Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using clench
Example
The team clenched victory in the final seconds of the game.
clench one's buttocks
to tighten or contract the muscles in one's buttocks, often as a sign of discomfort or nervousness
Example
She clenched her buttocks and tried to ignore the pain in her back.
to tighten or contract the muscles in one's stomach, often as a sign of fear or anxiety
Example
He clenched his stomach and took a deep breath to calm himself down.
Phrases with clench
clench one's fist/hand
to make a fist or grip something tightly, often as a sign of anger or determination
Example
He clenched his fist and prepared to fight.
clench one's jaw/teeth
to set or close one's teeth firmly, often as a sign of anger or tension
Example
She clenched her jaw to keep from crying.
Example
After weeks of negotiations, they finally clenched the deal.
Origins of clench
from Old English 'clencan', meaning 'to make cling'
Summary: clench in Brief
'Clench' [klɛn(t)ʃ] is a verb that describes the act of closing something tightly, often in response to strong emotions like anger or frustration. It can refer to making a fist or gripping an object tightly, as well as setting or closing one's teeth firmly. Examples include 'She clenched her fists in anger' and 'He clenched the steering wheel tightly.' The phrase 'clench a deal' means to finalize or secure a business agreement, while idioms like 'clench victory' and 'clench one's buttocks' convey securing a win or experiencing discomfort.
