I. clasp 1 /klɑːsp $ klæsp/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [countable] a small metal object for fastening a bag, belt, piece of jewellery etc
2 . [singular] a tight hold SYN grip :
the firm clasp of her hand
II. clasp 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive] written
1 . to hold someone or something tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them SYN grip :
A baby monkey clasps its mother’s fur tightly.
clasp your hands/arms around/behind something
Fenella leaned forward, clasping her hands around her knees.
She stood with her hands clasped tightly together.
clasp somebody/something in your hands/arms
She clasped the photograph in her hands.
clasp somebody to your chest/bosom (=hold someone tightly with your arms)
2 . to fasten something with a clasp
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THESAURUS
▪ hold to have something in your hand, hands, or arms:
Maria came in holding a letter.
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Can I hold the baby?
▪ grip to hold something very tightly and not let it go:
He gripped her arm so she couldn’t walk away.
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Jenny gripped the side of the boat to steady herself.
▪ clutch to hold something tightly, especially because you do not want to drop or lose it:
A businessman hurried past, clutching his briefcase.
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The little girl clutched onto his hand.
▪ clasp written to hold someone or something tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them:
She was clasping a bunch of small summer flowers.
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He clasped her in his arms and kissed her.
▪ get/take hold of something to take something in your hand or hands and hold it:
I took hold of the handle and pulled as hard as I could.
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Quickly – try and get hold of that frog!
▪ grasp written to take hold of something firmly, especially in a determined way:
She grasped the lowest branch and pulled herself up into the tree.
▪ grab to take hold of something suddenly and often violently:
He grabbed my bag and ran off with it.
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The other man grabbed hold of (=suddenly took hold of ) my arms and threatened me with a knife.
▪ seize /siːz/ written to take hold of something suddenly and often violently:
A police officer ran after him and seized the gun.
▪ hang on (to something) to hold on to something or someone tightly to support yourself:
He hung on to the rail at the back of the motorbike.
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Hang on tight!
▪ keep hold of something to continue to hold something:
Greg was struggling to keep hold of the dog.
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She tried to take her hand away but he kept hold of it.