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

And when people gather to protest hardship, security forces are quick to clamp down. —Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

The Celtics, after coasting through the first half through impressive shot-making, had to clamp down. —Boston Herald, 21 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