CLING

(HOLD) [verb] [I] [past:] clung - to hold tightly or to stick ; to refuse to stop holdingThey clung together in terror as the screams grew louder.Cling on or you might fall over.Small children often sleep clinging (on) to a cuddly toy.She clung to the handrail as she walked down the slippery steps.We got so wet that our clothes clung to us.The two lost children clung tightly to each other.(figurative) The road clings to (= closely follows) the coastline for several miles, then it turns inland.(figurative) He still clings to (= refuses to give up) his old-fashioned ways.(figurative) She clings to the hope/belief that her husband will come back to her.(figurative) The smell of paint always clings (= stays in the air).