Pronunciation: /klɛntʃ/
noun A tight grasp or grip
A1 She felt a clench in her stomach as she waited for the test results.
A2 The boxer's fists were tight with a clench as he prepared for the match.
B1 The clench of his jaw indicated his frustration with the situation.
B2 Her clench of determination propelled her to finish the marathon.
C1 The clench of his teeth revealed his intense concentration during the chess game.
C2 The clench of her fists showed her resolve to stand up for what she believed in.
verb To close tightly; to grip or grasp tightly
A1 She clenched her fists in anger.
A2 He clenched his teeth to stop himself from shouting.
B1 The hiker clenched the rope tightly as he descended the steep cliff.
B2 The athlete clenched his jaw in determination as he crossed the finish line.
C1 The lawyer clenched her briefcase tightly before entering the courtroom.
C2 The soldier clenched his weapon as he prepared for battle.
formal She could feel her hands start to clench as she tried to control her anger.
informal I could see him clenching his fists, ready to throw a punch.
slang He was clenching so hard, his knuckles turned white.
figurative The suspense was so intense, I could feel my heart clench in my chest.
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