Clench Up

Pronunciation: /klɛntʃ ʌp/

Definitions of clench up

noun a verb used to describe the action of tightening or contracting muscles, typically in response to stress or tension

Example Sentences

A1 When I get nervous, I tend to clench up my fists.

A2 The child's teeth were chattering and he began to clench up his jaw.

B1 During the intense scene, the actor's whole body started to clench up.

B2 The stress of the situation caused her to clench up her entire body, unable to relax.

C1 The athlete's muscles automatically clench up in preparation for the upcoming race.

C2 She could feel her heart racing and her muscles clenching up as she prepared to speak in front of the large audience.

Examples of clench up in a Sentence

formal The patient began to clench up as the doctor approached with the needle.

informal I always clench up when I watch scary movies.

slang I could feel myself starting to clench up during the intense scene.

figurative Her heart seemed to clench up with fear as she heard the news.

Grammatical Forms of clench up

• past tense: clenched
• plural: clench up
• comparative: more clench up
• superlative: most clench up
• present tense: clench up
• future tense: will clench up
• perfect tense: have clench up
• continuous tense: clenching up
• singular: clench up
• positive degree: clench up
• infinitive: to clench up
• gerund: clenching up
• participle: clenched up

Origin and Evolution of clench up

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'clench up' originated from the Old English word 'clencan' meaning to grasp or hold tightly.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'clench up' has evolved to also convey the idea of becoming tense or anxious, in addition to physically holding tightly.