First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
clench
verb \ˈklench\
: to set (something) in a tightly closed position
: to hold (something) tightly
Full Definition of CLENCH
transitive verb
1
: clinch 2
2
: to hold fast : clutch <clenched the arms of the chair>
3
: to set or close tightly <clench one's teeth> <clench one's fists>
— clench noun
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Origin of CLENCH
Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling
Related to CLENCH
- Synonyms
- hold, cling (to), clutch, grip
CLENCH Defined for Kids
clench
verb \ˈklench\
clenchedclench·ing
Definition of CLENCH for Kids
1
: to hold tightly : clutch <She clenched a pen in her hand.>
2
: to set or close tightly <“I'll sit and clench my teeth and never tell you one thing.” — Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden>
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