clutch

verb

\ ˈkləch

clutched; clutching; clutches

Definition of clutch

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly He clutched his chest and appeared to be in pain.

2 obsolete : clench

intransitive verb

1 : to seek to grasp and hold clutched at her hand

2 : to operate an automobile clutch (see clutch entry 2 sense 2a)

clutch

noun (1)

Definition of clutch (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing firmly a rabbit in the clutch of a hawk

b : an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession the fell clutch of circumstance— W. E. Henley

c : the act of grasping, holding, or restraining

2a : a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part (such as an engine and a transmission) of a mechanism

b : a lever (such as a pedal) operating such a clutch Depress the clutch to change gears.

3 : a tight or critical situation : pinch come through in the clutch

4 : clutch bag

clutch

adjective

Definition of clutch (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : made or done in a crucial situation a clutch hit

2 : successful in a crucial situation a clutch pitcher a clutch hitter

clutch

noun (2)

Definition of clutch (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks

2 : group, bunch talking with a clutch of her friends a clutch of photographs a clutch of reporters

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about clutch

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Synonyms for clutch

Synonyms: Verb

clench, cling (to), grip, hold

Choose the Right Synonym for clutch

Verb

take, seize, grasp, clutch, snatch, grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. take some salad from the bowl seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible. seized the suspect grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession. grasp the handle and pull clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. clutching her purse snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize. snatched a doughnut and ran grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch. grabbed roughly by the arm

Examples of clutch in a Sentence

Verb

I had to clutch the counter to keep from falling. The child clutched her mother's hand firmly. He had a book clutched in his hand.

Adjective

She scored a clutch basket.

First Known Use of clutch

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for clutch

clutch

verb

English Language Learners Definition of clutch

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to hold onto (someone or something) tightly with your hand

: to try to hold onto someone or something by reaching with your hand

clutch

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of clutch (Entry 2 of 2)

: happening during a very important or critical time especially in a sports competition

: able to perform well in a very important or critical situation especially in a sports competition

See the full definition for clutch in the English Language Learners Dictionary

clutch

verb

\ ˈkləch

clutched; clutching

Kids Definition of clutch

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to grasp or hold tightly with or as if with the hands or claws

clutch

Definition of clutch

Synonyms for clutch

Choose the Right Synonym for clutch

Examples of clutch in a Sentence

First Known Use of clutch

History and Etymology for clutch

English Language Learners Definition of clutch

Kids Definition of clutch

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