Pronunciation: /ˈklʌtʃɪz/

Definitions of clutches

noun a woman's small handbag without handles or a strap

Example Sentences

A1 She held onto her clutches tightly as she walked down the street.

A2 The thief ran off with the woman's clutches, containing all her valuables.

B1 The car's clutches needed to be replaced after years of heavy use.

B2 The company was in the clutches of a hostile takeover by a rival corporation.

C1 The politician was unable to escape the clutches of scandal that threatened his career.

C2 The detective finally managed to break free from the clutches of the criminal organization.

verb to grip or hold tightly

Example Sentences

A1 She clutches her teddy bear tightly when she's scared.

A2 The child clutches their mother's hand as they cross the street.

B1 The hiker clutches the rope tightly as they descend the steep cliff.

B2 The athlete clutches the trophy in triumph as they celebrate their victory.

C1 The detective clutches the key piece of evidence that will solve the case.

C2 The survivor clutches the photograph of their loved ones as they reflect on their journey.

Examples of clutches in a Sentence

formal She tightly held onto the clutches of her handbag as she walked through the crowded street.

informal She was so nervous that she was practically in the clutches of her anxiety.

slang I can't believe he fell for her clutches, he's in for trouble now.

figurative The company is in the clutches of bankruptcy and needs to find a way out.

Grammatical Forms of clutches

past tense

clutched

plural

clutches

comparative

more clutch

superlative

most clutch

present tense

clutches

future tense

will clutch

perfect tense

have clutched

continuous tense

is clutching

singular

clutch

positive degree

clutch

infinitive

to clutch

gerund

clutching

participle

clutched

Origin and Evolution of clutches

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'clutches' originated from Middle English and Old French, derived from the Latin word 'claudere' meaning 'to close or shut.'
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'clutches' evolved to refer to a firm grip or hold, often associated with predatory animals or the act of seizing or grasping something tightly.