| 释义 |
clench
I. \ˈklench\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-es)
Etymology: Middle English clenchen, from Old English -clencan (in beclencan to hold fast); akin to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank snare, Old English clingan to cling — more at cling
transitive verb
1. : clinch vt 1
2. : to hold fast by or as if by grasping tightly : clutch
< he clenched the arms of his chair >
3.
a. : to set or strain (as the jaws) closely or tightly together
< clenched his teeth >
: close tightly
< clenched his fists >
b. : to strain tight or tense (as the body or mind) under or as if under the stress of emotion
< you are always clenched against me — D.H.Lawrence >
4. : clinch vt 3
5. : clinch vt 4
intransitive verb
1. : clinch vi 2
2. : to set together or close tightly : strain tight or tense
< her hands clenched in her pockets >
< your stomach clenches and unclenches — Alvah Bessie >
II. noun
(-es)
1.
a. : the end of a nail or other fastening that is turned back in clinching it
b. : a strong fitting (as on the deck of a ship) designed to provide anchorage for cables or shackles under heavy strain
2. archaic : a play on words : pun
3. : the action of clenching |