clampdown

1 of 2

noun

clamp·​down ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n 

: the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent

a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences

—Time

clamp down

2 of 2

verb

clamped down; clamping down; clamps down

intransitive verb

: to impose restrictions : crack down

the police are clamping down on speeders

Synonyms

Verb

• crack down (on)
• crush
• put down
• quash
• quell
• repress
• silence
• slap down
• snuff (out)
• squash
• squelch
• subdue
• suppress

Examples of clampdown in a Sentence

Verb

the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Federal agents checked the platform before and after OfferUp’s clampdown, Bodner said, and found that there were around 70% fewer ads featuring suspicious search terms. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Here’s how some colleges are responding Bail clampdowns don’t match what research says about suspects, experts say Interior design isn’t just for humans. —Hartford Courant, 29 Feb. 2024

Verb

In its efforts to clamp down on crime, the government created a new agency this year solely focused on tracking erroneous welfare payments. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 21 June 2024

Still, numerous states and federal lawmakers have pushed for legislation clamping down on social media platforms, arguing that tech companies’ products are to blame for eating disorders, sleeplessness, distraction and, in some cases, self-harm and suicide. —Brian Fung, CNN, 20 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1938, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clamp down

verb

: to act in a strict and forceful manner to stop something

laws clamping down on fraud