clench

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To close or press something tightly together, especially your hands or teeth.

   He clenched his fist in anger.

2. 2
   verb

   To hold something firmly and tightly.

   She clenched the rope between her teeth as she climbed.

3. 3
   noun

   A tight grip or grasp.

   He felt the clench of her hand on his arm.

From Middle English clenchen, from Old English clenċan (“to clinch; hold fast”), a variant of Old English clenġan (“to adhere; remain”), from Proto-Germanic *klangijaną, causative of *klinganą (“to stick; adhere”). Related to cling.

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