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clench

Pronunciation: /klɛn(t)ʃ/

Definition of clench

(with reference to the fingers or hand) close into a tight ball, especially as a manifestation of extreme anger: [with object]:she clenched her fists, struggling for control [no object]:Ian’s right hand clenched into a fist (as adjective clenched)he struck the wall with his clenched fist
(with reference to the teeth) press or be pressed tightly together, especially with anger or determination or so as to suppress a strong emotion:he clenched his teeth, fighting waves of nausea
[with object] grasp (something) tightly and firmly:he clenched the steering wheel so hard that the car wobbled
[no object] (of a muscular part of the body) tighten or contract sharply, especially with strong emotion:Mark felt his stomach clench in alarm

[in singular]

a contraction or tightening of part of the body:she saw the anger rise, saw the clench of his fists

Origin:

Old English (in the sense of clinch 'fix securely'): of Germanic origin; related to cling

Definition of clench in the US English dictionary

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