- clench
- \ \ see CLING
Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
clench
Look at other dictionaries:
Clench — may refer to: In persons: Andrew Clench Ralfe Clench (ca 1762 1828), Canadian political figure Jim Clench (1949 2010), former member of the bands April Wine and Bachman–Turner Overdrive William J. Clench (1897 1984), American malacologist In… … Wikipedia
clench — [ klentʃ ] verb 1. ) intransitive or transitive if you clench a part of your body such as your hand or your mouth, or if it clenches, you close it tightly, especially because you are angry or upset: He clenched his fists in frustration. I could… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
clench — clench, clinch Clinch is a 16c variant spelling of clench, and has since been regarded as a separate word. We clench our teeth, fingers, and fists; and we clinch an argument, bargain, or deal. Lovers clinch when they embrace closely, and so do… … Modern English usage
Clench — Clench, n. & v. t. See {Clinch}. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
clench — [klentʃ] v [T] [: Old English; Origin: beclencan] 1.) clench your fists/teeth/jaw etc to hold your hands, teeth etc together tightly, usually because you feel angry or determined ▪ Jody was pacing the sidelines, her fists clenched. 2.) to hold… … Dictionary of contemporary English
clench — index constrict (compress) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
clench — (v.) O.E. beclencan to hold fast, make cling, causative of clingan (see CLING (Cf. cling)); Cf. stink/stench. Related: Clenched; clenching. The noun is attested from 1799 … Etymology dictionary
clench — [v] grasp clamp, clasp, clinch, clutch, constrict, contract, double up, draw together, grapple, grip, hold; concept 191 Ant. let go, loose, loosen, release … New thesaurus
clench — ► VERB 1) (with reference to one s fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger. 2) (with reference to a set of muscles) contract sharply. 3) grasp tightly. ► NOUN ▪ the action of clenching or the state of being… … English terms dictionary
clench — [klench] vt. [ME clenchen < OE clencan (in beclencan), lit., to make cling, caus. of clingan: see CLING] 1. CLINCH ( vt. 1) 2. to bring together tightly; close (the teeth or fist) firmly 3. to grip tightly n. 1. a firm grip … English World dictionary
clench|er — «KLEHN chuhr», noun. 1. a person or thing that clenches. 2. Figurative. a decisive argument; clincher … Useful english dictionary
