1 clench | Definition of clench

clench

verb
\ ˈklench How to pronounce clench (audio) \
clenched; clenching; clenches

Definition of clench

transitive verb

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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Other Words from clench

clench noun

Synonyms for clench

Synonyms

cling (to), clutch, grip, hold

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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. 2019

These 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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First Known Use of clench

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for clench

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

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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

clench

verb
\ ˈklench How to pronounce clench (audio) \
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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More from Merriam-Webster on clench

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with clench

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clench

Spanish Central: Translation of clench

Nglish: Translation of clench for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of clench for Arabic Speakers

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