I. ˈklench verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English clenchen, from Old English -clencan (in beclencan to hold fast); akin to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank snare, Old English clingan to cling — more at cling
transitive verb
1. : clinch vt 1
2. : to hold fast by or as if by grasping tightly : clutch
he clenched the arms of his chair
3.
a. : to set or strain (as the jaws) closely or tightly together
clenched his teeth
: close tightly
clenched his fists
b. : to strain tight or tense (as the body or mind) under or as if under the stress of emotion
you are always clenched against me — D.H.Lawrence
4. : clinch vt 3
5. : clinch vt 4
intransitive verb
1. : clinch vi 2
2. : to set together or close tightly : strain tight or tense
her hands clenched in her pockets
your stomach clenches and unclenches — Alvah Bessie
II. noun
( -es )
1.
a. : the end of a nail or other fastening that is turned back in clinching it
b. : a strong fitting (as on the deck of a ship) designed to provide anchorage for cables or shackles under heavy strain
2. archaic : a play on words : pun
3. : the action of clenching