fistfist /fɪst/ ●●○ noun [countable] 
She held the money tightly in her fist. Malcolm clenched his fist (=held his fist very tightly closed) angrily. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. Varney slammed his fist down onto the table so hard the dishes jumped. → ham-fisted, tight-fisted, → hand over fist at hand1(35)2make a good/bad fist of something British English informal to make a successful or unsuccessful attempt to do something
WORD ORIGINfist
Origin:
Old English fystEXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- He clenched his fists even tighter.
- He would hammer the table with one great fist.
- He would remember only the steam and the heat and the electricity in his fists and forearms.
- His hands were clenched into fists.
- Is a little sleeplessness and fist pounding so very out of the way?
- Other players pumped their fists or otherwise exhorted the fans.
- The stick and the fist backed up the array of legal powers.
- This is the archetypal steel fist in a velvet glove.
Longman Language Activatorto behave in a very angry way
if someone, especially a child, has or throws a tantrum , they shout angrily and cry, especially because they cannot have what they want: · Whenever it's time for bed she throws a tantrum.· Almost all two-year-olds have tantrums from time to time.
to start a loud angry argument with someone, especially in a public place and in a way that is embarrassing: · Please don't talk so loudly. You're making a scene.· I hate it when people make a scene in public.
a sudden expression of very strong angry feelings, especially because you cannot control your anger any longer: · I was embarrassed by my husband's outburst.· Corbin apologized for his outburst at the meeting.
to hold up your hand with the fingers tightly closed and shake it in order to show that you are angry: · The old man shook his fist angrily at the nurse.
to bring your foot down hard on the ground because you are angry about something: · "Louis, get over here!" Margret demanded, stamping her foot.
WORD SETSAB, nounabdomen, nounaccommodation, nounAchilles tendon, nounAdam's apple, nounadaptation, nounadenoids, nounadrenalin, nounairway, nounambidextrous, adjectiveanatomical, adjectiveankle, nounantibody, nounantigen, nounanus, nounanvil, nounaorta, nounappendix, nounarch, nounarmpit, nounarterial, adjectiveartery, nounatrium, nounbaby tooth, nounback, nounbackbone, nounbandy, adjectivebarrel-chested, adjectivebeat, verbbelly, nounbelly button, nounbicep, nounbig toe, nounbikini line, nounbile, nounbiological clock, nounbiorhythms, nounbiped, nounbladder, nounblind spot, nounblink, verbblink, nounblood count, nounblood group, nounblood pressure, nounbloodstream, nounblood type, nounblood vessel, nounBO, nounbody clock, nounbody odour, nounbone, nounbone marrow, nounbowel, nounbow legs, nounbrain, nounbrainwave, nounbreast, nounbreastbone, nounbristly, adjectivebronchial, adjectivebronchial tube, nounbrow, nounbuck teeth, nounbullnecked, adjectiveburp, verbbust, nounbuttock, nouncanine, nouncapillary, nouncardiac, adjectivecardio-, prefixcardiovascular, adjectivecarotid artery, nouncartilage, nouncentral nervous system, nouncerebellum, nouncerebral, adjectivecervical, adjectivecervix, nounchamber, nounchange of life, nouncheek, nouncheekbone, nounchest, nounchin, nouncirculation, nounclavicle, nouncleavage, nounclitoris, nounclose-set, adjectivecoccyx, nouncochlea, nouncock, nouncollarbone, nouncolon, nouncolour, nouncolour-blind, adjectiveconception, nouncone, nounconnective tissue, nouncoordination, nouncornea, nouncortex, nouncough, verbcough, nouncowlick, nouncranium, nouncrook, verbcrotch, nouncrow's feet, nouncrutch, nouncry, verbcuticle, noundandruff, noundeep-set, adjectivedefecate, verbdefence mechanism, noundental, adjectivedentine, nounderrière, noundiaphragm, noundigit, noundigital, adjectivedimple, noundisc, noundominant, adjectivedouble-jointed, adjectivedribble, verbdrool, verbduct, nounduodenum, nounear, nouneardrum, nounearhole, nounegg, nounejaculate, verbelbow, nounenamel, nounendocrine, adjectiveentrails, nounepidermis, nounepiglottis, nounerect, adjectiveerection, nounerogenous zone, nounexcrement, nounexcreta, nounexcrete, verbexcretion, nounexpectorate, verbextremity, nouneye, nouneyebrow, nouneyelash, nouneyelid, nouneyesight, nouneye tooth, nounface, nounfallopian tube, nounfart, verbfart, nounfemur, nounfibre, nounfibula, nounfigure, nounfingernail, nounfingertip, nounfist, nounfive o'clock shadow, nounflat-chested, adjectivefoetal position, nounfolic acid, nounfollicle, nounforearm, nounforefinger, nounforehead, nounforeskin, nounframe, nounfunny bone, noungall bladder, noungallstone, noungastric, adjectivegenital, adjectivegenitals, noungland, nounglottis, noungonad, noungrey matter, noungroin, nounG-spot, noungullet, noungum, nounhair, nounhairless, adjectivehairy, adjectivehammer, nounhamstring, nounhand, nounhand-eye co-ordination, nounhandlebar moustache, nounhead, nounheart, nounheel, nounhiccup, nounhiccup, verbhip, nounHomo sapiens, nounhumerus, nounhymen, nounimmune, adjectiveimmune system, nounimmunity, nouninbred, adjectiveincisor, nounindex finger, nouninherit, verbinstep, nounintestine, nounin vitro fertilization, nouniris, nounIVF, nounjaw, nounjawbone, nounjowl, nounkidney, nounknee, nounknee cap, nounknuckle, nounlap, nounlarge intestine, nounlarynx, nounlash, nounlaugh lines, nounlaughter lines, nounleft-handed, adjectivelefty, nounlens, nounlid, nounlifeblood, nounligament, nounlip, nounlittle finger, nounliver, nounlobe, nounlong-sighted, adjectivelumbar, adjectivelung, nounlymph, nounlymph node, nounmammary, adjectivemammary gland, nounmanual, adjectivemarrow, nounmasticate, verbmatrix, nounmelanin, nounmelatonin, nounmember, nounmenopause, nounmenses, nounmenstrual, adjectivemenstrual period, nounmenstruate, verbmiddle ear, nounmiddle finger, nounmidget, nounmidriff, nounmilk tooth, nounmind, nounmolar, nounmucous membrane, nounmuscle, nounnail, nounnape, nounnasal, adjectivenavel, nounnervous, adjectiveneurology, nounneuron, nounniacin, nounnipple, nounnode, nounnodule, nounnostril, nounocular, adjectiveoesophagus, nounoral, adjectiveovary, nounoverbite, nounoviduct, nounpalate, nounpalm, nounpalpitate, verbpalpitations, nounpancreas, nounpassage, nounpatella, nounpectorals, nounpelvic, adjectivepelvis, nounpenetrate, verbpepsin, nounperiod, nounperiod pain, nounperspiration, nounperspire, verbphallus, nounpharynx, nounphlegm, nounphysical, adjectivephysiognomy, nounphysiology, nounphysique, nounpigeon-toed, adjectivepit, nounpituitary, nounplacenta, nounplasma, nounplatelet, nounpore, nounpotbelly, nounpremenstrual, adjectiveprepubescent, adjectivepressure point, nounprimal, adjectiveprivate parts, nounprognathous, adjectiveprostate, nounpuberty, nounpubescent, adjectivepubic, adjectivepudendum, nounpulmonary, adjectivepulp, nounpulse, nounpupil, nounquad, nounquadruplet, nounquin, nounquintuplet, nounradius, nounreceptor, nounrecessive, adjectiverectal, adjectiverectum, nounred blood cell, nounREM sleep, nounrenal, adjectiveretina, nounRhesus factor, nounRH factor, nounrib, nounrib cage, nounright, adjectiveright-handed, adjectiveright-hander, nounrigor mortis, nounring finger, nounrod, nounRoman nose, nounround-shouldered, adjectiverun, verbsalivary gland, nounsallow, adjectivescalp, nounscaly, adjectivescapula, nounsciatic, adjectivescrotum, nounsemen, nounseminal, adjectivesense, nounsense organ, nounsensory, adjectivesextuplet, nounshank, nounshin, nounshinbone, nounshoulder, nounshoulder blade, nounside, nounsinew, nounsinus, nounskeletal, adjectiveskull, nounsleep, verbsleep, nounsmall intestine, nounsneeze, verbsneeze, nounsnub nose, nounsnub-nosed, adjectivesoft palate, nounsolar plexus, nounsole, nounsphincter, nounspinal, adjectivespinal column, nounspine, nounspit, verbspit, nounspittle, nounspleen, nounspotty, adjectivesputum, nounsternum, nounsteroid, nounstirrup, nounstomach, nounstool, nounstubble, nounsubcutaneous, adjectivesuck, verbsuckle, verbsuckling, nounsweat gland, nounsystem, nountailbone, nountan, verbtan, nountanned, adjectivetarsus, nountartar, nountaste bud, nountear, nounteardrop, nounteat, nountemple, nountendon, nountestes, nountesticle, nountestis, nountestosterone, nounthickset, adjectivethigh, nounthorax, nounthroat, nounthumb, nounthumbnail, nounthyroid, nountibia, nounticklish, adjectivetoe, nountoenail, nountongue, nountonsil, nountooth, nountorso, nountouch, nountrachea, nountriceps, nountrunk, nountympanum, nounulna, nounumbilical cord, nounurethra, nounuterus, nounuvula, nounvagina, nounvascular, adjectivevein, nounvenous, adjectiveventricle, nounvessel, nounvestibule, nounvital, adjectivevocal cords, nounvoice box, nounvulva, nounwaist, nounwall-eyed, adjectivewax, nounwhite, nounwhite blood cell, nounwindpipe, nounwisdom tooth, nounwomb, nounwrinkle, verbwrist, nounyawn, verbyawn, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Malcolm clenched his fist (=held his fist very tightly closed) angrily. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES When she won the final game of the set, she did a fist pump. He runs the company with an iron fist.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
Malcolm clenched his fist (=held his fist very tightly closed) angrily. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. (=a fight in which people hit each other with their closed hands)· A fist fight broke out after the match.
When she won the final game of the set, she did a fist pump. He runs the company with an iron fist.· Once it crosses the centre-line it can only be used immediately as a back fist.· Unfortunately, the cocking action that begins a back fist movement presents an unmistakable cue to the opponent.· Rock back into a cat stance and block, then fire off a back fist with your leading hand.
· Your bum's hardly bigger than a fist.· Teddy Carson said, another big fist.· Then he kneaded the small hand in his big fists, searching for broken bones.· The woman behind Caruso had shut her eyes and her two hands had made a big fist in front of her face.· All the time her uncle stood there clutching this one in his big fist - so!· It is about as big as a fist, and bound securely with black gaffer tape.
· John blew on his clenched fists and drew his knees closer to the brazier.· William Joyce presented the clenched fist in an armour of brass knuckles.· He slammed his clenched fist into the desk, and began to cry.· The realization came as a shock and she pressed her clenched fist to her heart as if to pacify it.· He drew his parang, lining Kaptan up with his clenched left fist for the blade blow with the right.· She then brought her clenched fists down viciously on to the bridge of his nose.· But it looked like, instead of being a clenched and threatening fist, they would present a welcoming, open hand.· She then placed both clenched fists in front of me.
· But he offered not only an iron fist to Hanoi there was a velvet glove also.
· He drew his parang, lining Kaptan up with his clenched left fist for the blade blow with the right.· His left fist flails at me.· Maidstone had not parted with it but held it firmly in his left fist.
· Gallagher drove his right fist into his stomach and followed it up with a left to the mouth.· Then he will take his right fist and pound it, pow, into his left palm.· Birmingham's Swift boxed for half the fight one-handed after damaging his right fist.· He had a way of clenching and unclenching his right fist.· I noticed that the assistant bank manager was biting his lower lip and grinding his right fist into his left palm.· Claire's right fist holds a crumpled Kleenex.· Pubs, clubs and sport were right down the fist.· Without knowing why, she raised her right fist in a salute to her image and punched the air.
· But the rent strikes brought her out to the world with her small fists clenched in a white-knuckle fury.· Eline hesitated, her hands clenched into small fists, torn between joy and despair.· I beat at his face with two small fists.
NOUN· The rally broke up in fist fights and violence, and the whole thing spread on to the streets.· Can you imagine knowing, and liking, a man who engages in fist fights?· They can not get away from the characters as they have fist fights or shoot up.· A fist fight followed, with much shouting and squabbling, until the ragged man succeeded in driving up to the door.· While there, for whatever reason, he engaged himself in a fist fight with a man asking for money.· One third said they had gotten into fist fights.· Challenge them to a good old-fashioned fist fight?· There was generally a fist fight in Hard Class after lunch, and Vassily provoked quarrels at every meal.
VERB· One of the students banged his fist loudly on the partition separating them from the driver.· The porch door rattled as though some one were banging their fists against it.· I watched him as he bounded up a flight of narrow concrete steps and banged his fists on a shabby door.· She banged her fist against the steering-wheel, fighting back the tears that scalded her eyes and threatened to blind her.· Graham banged his fist angrily on the table.
· She beat her fists on his back, kicked and shouted and threatened, all to no avail.· His eyes became small, and he threw himself on her, beating her with his fists.· Did he pace the room, beating his fists against the wall?· Then he throws himself off his chair on to the floor, begins shrieking and beating his fists against the floor.
· She then brought her clenched fists down viciously on to the bridge of his nose.· Poole brought his fist down on the alarm cutout, and the wailing ceased.· She brought up both her fists and pummelled him on the chest.
· Cecilia found she had clenched her fists and was driving her nails into the palms of her hands.· He clenched his fists at his sides to strengthen his resolve.· Now, Benjy thought, wishing him on with held breath and clenched fists.· She clenched her fists, on the verge of tears.· He clenched it in both fists.· As it was, he clenched his fist and glared at her across the gulf that divided them.· The clenched fist in my chest had relaxed and let go.
· He closed his fist on the gun; he had heard of such weapons though never had one within his reach before.· The man immediately smashed him on top of the head with his closed fist.· Instinctively, his hands had closed into fists.· He demonstrates-the bills bounce off your closed fist and fall to the floor.· A closed fist calls for a pitchout.
· Gallagher drove his right fist into his stomach and followed it up with a left to the mouth.· Gallagher drove his fist into his face and sent him sprawling on his back.· As he did he drove a fist hard into Connelly's face, the impact propelling him across the kitchen.· Up on the roof Balberith drove his fists at the steel plate and howled obscenities, the way some of them do.
· Him frowning, laughing, holding his clenched fist up to his mouth.· Now, Benjy thought, wishing him on with held breath and clenched fists.· Then both hands behind his back, then holds his fists out.· They ran into Madra, nearly upsetting the jugs she held in her fists.· He holds a fist to the sky and a hawk swoops down.
· So far they are not making much of a fist of it.· The woman behind Caruso had shut her eyes and her two hands had made a big fist in front of her face.· Now take your concentration to your hands, make fists and squeeze them together and then let them go.· She made a fist of what was left of her Kleenex.· I made fists in my pockets.· She then asks the volunteer to make a fist and hold her arm out with as much strength as she can muster.· Don't try making a fist with the injured hand!· Instead, I made a fist and socked hard.
· When she stayed put, the men began pounding their fists on the tables as well.· Daley turned purple and pounded his fist on the lecterns when he later denied the rumor.· Stevenson has long since taken his towering presence and pounding fists into retirement.· He pounded his fist on the desk.
· He couldn't see the face now, for the clown was putting his fists to his eyes.· Beloved put her fists on her hips and commenced to skip on bare feet.· Opposed, he could breathe fire; contradicted or challenged, he could put up his fists and fight.· She put her fists into her lap and crouched in her chair, the way people die in sparsely furnished rooms.· He put his fists to his temples.· Lily put her fist in her mouth and bit hard on her fingers.· From the moment Mike put up his fists, the fight was over.· Marjorie puts up her fists like a pugilist, groans and pushes him away.
· Don't let your hands, face or body give your intentions away Dummy, yell and raise your fist Bam!· She raised her fists and beat herself lightly on the sides of her head. ` No!· Murray raised a fist to his family and friends as he walked off the court.· We don't raise our fists or reject globalisation.· Julie spun the weapon, bringing the clawed part down on his hand as he raised his fists in defence.· He raised his fist and was about to hammer on the door when he heard sounds.· A more marginal case is where the defendant is seen to be raising his fists in anticipation of the fight.
· It is suggested that merely shaking one's fist at another should not be treated as amounting to threats of violence.· Better to leave your audience wailing in the dark, shaking their fists, some crying How?, others why?· Eighteen years and 110 Tests later he bowed out, with Nemesis unable to resist shaking her fist at him.· Then he spoke roughly once more, shoved the teeth deeper into his pocket and shook his fist at her.· Asshe shook his fist, and advanced threateningly.· Cars honked, brakes screeched, and drivers cursed, shaking fists and pointing digits.· Follow me round muttering and shaking their fists.· In the midst of all this I let go of one handful of weed to shake my fist at him.
· He slammed his clenched fist into the desk, and began to cry.· I slammed my fist on the table.· Vologsky slammed his fist down upon the table as the injustice of it all descended upon him again.· As he felt Joe begin fumbling with his trousers Michael stifled an urge to slam his fist into Joe's head.· Very nearly slammed her fist on the table and launched into the ancient and terminally tedious arguments of the left.· Leave the hands on your collar but slam your fist or elbow into the attacker's nose.
· It had hurt him, as if some one had smashed a fist into his own face.
· Then the figure flung its hands away from its face and began to prance wildly, waving its fists above its spiky hair.· The clown was capering under the lamp, waving his fists exultantly above his head.· I ran after the car waving my fist and hurling abuse and insults, something I had never done before.· She even waved her fists, which was pretty useless as she's only nine and small for her age.· He looked up into the black sky and waved his fist at the stars.· She waves the fist and the Kleenex helplessly.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► hand over fist► rule somebody with an iron fist/hand
1the hand when it is tightly closed, so that the fingers are curled in towards the palm. People close their hand in a fist when they are angry or are going to hit someone: - He clenched his fists and remained where he was.
- He clenched his fists even tighter.
- He clenched his fists in frustration and annoyance.
- He clenched his teeth together but the first syllable forced itself around the corner of his mouth.
- He clenched his teeth, pulled back his shoulders and began to stride up the road.
- I clenched my teeth, wondering what to do now.
- Papa clenched his fists and lips in the dark wood.
- Asshe shook his fist, and advanced threateningly.
- Better to leave your audience wailing in the dark, shaking their fists, some crying How?, others why?
- Eighteen years and 110 Tests later he bowed out, with Nemesis unable to resist shaking her fist at him.
- Follow me round muttering and shaking their fists.
- In the midst of all this I let go of one handful of weed to shake my fist at him.
- It made him laugh to see her standing there, shaking her fist at the departing van.
- She shook her fist as she had at the old man in the lobby.
- Then he spoke roughly once more, shoved the teeth deeper into his pocket and shook his fist at her.
She held the money tightly in her fist. Malcolm clenched his fist (=held his fist very tightly closed) angrily. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. Varney slammed his fist down onto the table so hard the dishes jumped. → ham-fisted, tight-fisted, → hand over fist at hand1(35)2make a good/bad fist of something British English informal to make a successful or unsuccessful attempt to do something- Once in Royal David's City
- once-over
- oncologist
- oncology
- oncoming
- Ondaatje, Michael
- one
- O'Neal, Shaquille
- one another
- one-armed bandit
- one-dimensional
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- one-horse
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians
- O'Neill, Eugene
- one-liner
- one-man
- one-man band
- One Nation Party
- oneness
- one-night stand
- one-off
- one-on-one
- one-parent family
- one-piece