clench
/klɛntʃ/
verb
- To close or squeeze tightly, especially the hands, teeth, or jaws.
- He clenched his fists in anger during the argument.
- She clenched her teeth to stop herself from crying.
- The patient clenched the armrests as the dentist approached.
- To grasp or hold something firmly.
- He clenched the steering wheel during the storm.
- The climber clenched the rope tightly as she ascended.
- The child clenched her mother's hand in the crowded store.
noun
- A tight grip or hold.
- He released his clench on the railing and stepped back.
- She felt a clench in her stomach from nervousness.
- The dog's clench on the toy was impossible to break.
- A state of being tightly closed or squeezed.
- A sudden clench of pain shot through her leg.
- The clench of his fist was visible from across the room.
- The clench of his jaw showed his frustration.