cling

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to come or be in close contact with

   I clung to them at the party, because I didn't know anyone else there.

2. 2
   verb

   to remain emotionally or intellectually attached

   They cling to the memory of a happy childhood.

3. 3
   noun

   Adherence; attachment; devotion.

   a more tenacious cling to worldly reſpects,

4. 4
   noun

   An ornament that clings to a window so as to be seen from outside.

   You can make window clings by using thin transparency sheets, school glue, food coloring, and templates.

5. 5
   verb

   To hold very tightly, as to not fall off.

   Seaweed clung to the anchor.

6. 6
   verb

   To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.

   I[…] clung my legs as close to his sides as I could.

7. 7
   verb

   To cause to dry up or wither.

   If thou speak'st false, / Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive, / Till famine cling thee.

8. 8
   verb

   To dry up or wither.

   Wood clings.

Etymology

From Middle English clingen, from Old English clingan (“to adhere”), from Proto-West Germanic *klingan, from Proto-Germanic *klinganą. Cognate with Danish klynge (“to cluster, to crowd”). Compare clump.