vise

/vaɪs/
noun
  1. A tool with two jaws that can be tightened to hold an object firmly in place, used especially in woodworking or metalworking.
    • She tightened the vise gently so it wouldn't crack the delicate model.
    • The mechanic secured the metal rod in a bench vise to file it smooth.
    • He clamped the piece of wood in the vise before sawing it.
  2. A situation or force that grips or holds something tightly, like a firm grasp or control.
    • The team felt the vise of a tight deadline as the project deadline approached.
    • The country was caught in the vise of economic sanctions.
    • Fear had him in a vise, making it hard to breathe.
verb
  1. To hold or clamp something in a vise or as if in a vise.
    • She vised the pipe in the workshop before cutting it.
    • The worker vised the metal plate to drill a precise hole.
    • He vised the small part carefully to keep it from slipping.
What does "vise" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean