clench

verb
UK: /klentʃ/
US: /klentʃ/

  1. To close your fingers or teeth together tightly, usually because you are angry, determined, or in pain.

    1. I had to clench my fists to stop myself from shouting.
    2. She clenched her jaw as she waited for the verdict, trying to control her anxiety.

Synonyms

squeeze grip grasp contract
clench noun

  1. The act of closing your fingers or teeth together tightly.

    1. He gave a clench of his fist to show his anger.
    2. With a clench of her teeth, she pushed through the pain to finish the race.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "clench" is /klentʃ/ in British English and /klentʃ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "clench": squeeze, grip, grasp, contract.

Example usage of "clench": "I had to clench my fists to stop myself from shouting.". More examples on the page.