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

Dissident groups including the Nicaraguan University Alliance quickly railed against the measures, calling them an extension of that clampdown. —Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

The clampdown formed part of wider measures aimed at the upper echelons, with private equity bosses, private schools, second homes and private jets all faced with new levies. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

The oppression took an even darker turn in 2011 after Assad's regime crushed pro-democracy protests and clamped down on any association with emerging opposition groups. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024

It is believed to have stalked and hunted its prey like one too, peering above the water and clamping down on prey with powerful jaws. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Dec. 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