- to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc) tightly
- to grasp or grip firmly
- a firm grasp or grip
- a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp
- another word for clinch
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
clench /klɛntʃ/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to close (the hands, etc.) tightly:clenched his fists in frustration.
- to grasp firmly;
grip:I clenched the cigar in my teeth.
clench
(klench),USA pronunciation v.t.
v.i.
n.
- to close (the hands, teeth, etc.) tightly.
- to grasp firmly;
grip. - clinch (def. 1).
- clinch (defs. 2–4).
v.i.
- to close or knot up tightly:His hands clenched as he faced his enemy.
n.
- the act of clenching.
- a tight hold;
grip. - something that clenches or holds fast.
- clinch (defs. 9, 11, 12).
- 1200–50; Middle English clenchen; compare Old English beclencan hold fast
- 2. clasp, clutch.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
clench /klɛntʃ/ vb (transitive)
'clench' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):