clampdown

1 of 2

noun

clamp·​down ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce clampdown (audio)
: the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent
a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influencesTime

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

Examples of clampdown in a Sentence

Verb the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Any clampdown on federal or state funding, such as Congress' 2021 $22 billion grant, would put the upgrades in jeopardy, but some industry actors think Musk's plan could be a boon. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Though the museum has not commented on why the shows were removed from its schedule, many have read the cancellations as a response to the Trump administration’s clampdown on all things seen as DEI-related. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
Florida clamps down and wins a title The critical moment came a few seconds later. Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 United have pursued an aggressive strategy of cost-cutting under the minority ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has cut jobs from the club, as well as raising ticket prices at Old Trafford, clamping down on staff expenses and cancelling the annual staff Christmas party. Mark Critchley, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clampdown

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clampdown was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clampdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clampdown. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

clamp down

verb
: to act in a strict and forceful manner to stop something
laws clamping down on fraud

More from Merriam-Webster on clampdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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