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

Queendom documents the growing clampdown on freedom of expression that followed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025

Perhaps the best example being the clampdown on sideloading, with the prior free rein removed. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Many clients are anxious and disturbed, not only because relatives’ flights have been canceled, but because of other actions the administration has already taken to clamp down on immigration. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025

And Diaz, who looks fantastic not just for her age but for any age, centers the movie without clamping down on it. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

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