clasp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp 

1

a

: a device (such as a hook) for holding objects or parts together

b

: a device (such as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded

2

: a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

clasped; clasping; clasps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clasp

a robe clasped with a brooch

2

: to enclose and hold with the arms

specifically : embrace

3

: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

Synonyms

Noun

• clench
• grapple
• grasp
• grip
• handgrip
• handhold
• hold

Verb

• bear-hug
• crush
• embrace
• enclasp
• enfold
• grasp
• hug
• strain

Examples of clasp in a Sentence

Noun

Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me?

be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt

Verb

She clasped her purse shut.

He clasped the keys to his belt.

He clasped her hand gently.

She clasped her son in her arms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Strappy sandals, sneakers and loafers came down the runway, too, but the real standouts were the enticingly offbeat studded loafers with clasp detailing, which came in white, blush, violet and hunter green. —Violet Goldstone, WWD, 17 Sep. 2024

In the video, one of the woman’s young daughters whimpers and the other clasps tightly to her distraught, Mickey ears headband-wearing mother while begging strangers for help. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024

Verb

Conclave begins with the image of a cardinal tensely making his way along a Roman highway late at night, his crimson biretta cap clasped tightly in his hand. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

At one point, Dion cradled Adele’s face, clasped Adele’s hand to her right cheek and kissed it, then leaned in for a last few words. —Kim Willis, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English claspe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clasp

• clasp knife

Kids Definition

clasp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklasp 

1

: a device for holding together objects or parts of something

2

: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clasp

2

: to enclose and hold with the arms

especially : embrace

3

: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

clasper noun

Medical Definition

clasp

noun

ˈklasp 

: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place