clench

verb

clenched; clenching; clenches

transitive verb

1
2
: to hold fast : clutch
clenched the arms of the chair
3
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fists
clench noun

Examples of clench in a Sentence

He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead. He clenched his fists in anger. She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech. She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
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.
The hollow tubes are just the right diameter for a baby to clench a fist around, and come in strawberry-apple and banana flavors. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2025 On match point, Sinner hit a service winner and clenched his fists in celebration. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 On match point, Swiatek sailed a forehand long and Keys clenched both fists and let out a huge smile. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 King argued he is entitled to attorneys’ fees from Laney Griner, the mom of the 11-month-old boy who appeared with a clenched first in the viral meme. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clench 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clench was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near clench

Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clench. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

clench

verb
1
: to hold fast : clutch
2
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fist

More from Merriam-Webster on clench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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