/ klɪŋ; NAmE / verb ( clung , clung / klʌŋ; NAmE /) [ v ]
1.
cling (on) to sb/sth | cling on / together to hold on tightly to sb/sth :
survivors clinging to a raft
She clung on to her baby.
Cling on tight!
They clung together, shivering with cold.
➡ note at hold
2.
cling (to sth) to stick to sth :
a dress that clings (= fits closely and shows the shape of your body)
The wet shirt clung to his chest.
The smell of smoke still clung to her clothes.
3.
cling (to sb) (usually disapproving ) to stay close to sb, especially because you need them emotionally :
After her mother's death, Sara clung to her aunt more than ever.
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- cling to sth | cling on to sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English clingan stick together , of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch klingen adhere, Middle High German klingen climb, also to clench .