Clench
[klen(t)ʃ] or [klɛntʃ]
Definition
(verb.) squeeze together tightly; 'clench one's jaw'.
(verb.) hold in a tight grasp; 'clench a steering wheel'.
Editor: Shanna--From WordNet
Definition
(n. & v. t.) See Clinch.
Checker: Myrna
Definition
v.t. to fasten or rivet a nail by bending the point and beating the bent part flat against the object through which the nail was driven: to grasp tightly: to set firmly as the teeth: to fasten on: (fig.) to drive home an argument: to settle or confirm.—n. something set firmly: the fastening of a nail by beating it back as in the verb: a pun.—n. Clinch′er one that clinches: a decisive argument.—adj. Clinch′er-built (same as Clinker-built).—n. Clinch′er-work the disposition of the side planks of a vessel when the lower edge of one row overlaps the row next under it.
Edited by Barrett
Examples
- It was in the state of my own feelings, I added bashfully: to clench the explanation. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- He forced back the gathering shadows of death, as he forced his clenched right hand to remain clenched, and to cover his wound. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- He was found stiff, his hands clenched, and pressed against his breast. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- Her fist, clenched tight in his pocket, beat hard against his thigh. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
- And Mr. Snodgrass took his cigar from his mouth, and struck the table violently with his clenched fist. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- The other seized the die, and clenched his teeth upon it in sheer rage, as if he would bite it in pieces. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- One clenched hand contained a slip of paper, on which was written, To Athens. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- And the child, looking in a very hard and piteous way at his father, bit his lips, clenched his hands, and didn't cry a bit. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- I don't know,' replied Sikes, clenching his teeth and turning white at the mere suggestion. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- With resolution,' said my aunt, shaking her cap at me, and clenching her hand. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- I tell you,' said the man: clenching his hands, and stamping furiously on the floor,--'I tell you I won't have her put into the ground. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- Truly, friend, said the Friar, clenching his huge fist, I will bestow a buffet on thee. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- She crouched in front of the window, clenching her face in her hands, in a sort of trance. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- I don't know why else he clenches his little hand as if it had hold of a finger that I can't see. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Checked by Karol