clench
verb
\ ˈklench
\
\
clenched;
clenching;
clenches
Definition of clench
1
: clinch sense 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
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Examples of clench in a Sentence
He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead.
He clenched his fists in anger.
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Recent Examples on the Web
My stomach clenches at the thought of being in a room with him and like-minded members of the family. — Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, "Ask Amy: I hate their politics. Do I have to go to the wedding?," 3 Sep. 2019 My stomach clenches at the thought of being in a room with him and like-minded members of the family. — Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, "Ask Amy: Aspiring lawyer rests his case," 3 Sep. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for clench
clench
verb
English Language Learners Definition of clench
: to set (something) in a tightly closed position
: to hold (something) tightly
See the full definition for clench in the English Language Learners Dictionary
clench
verb
\ ˈklench
\
\
clenched;
clenching
Kids Definition of clench
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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