clamp
/klæmp/ (bre, ipa) · /klæmp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklamp/ (ame, mw)
clamp — noun
- clampsingular
- clampsplural
1. a tool made of two adjustable parts that press together, used to hold objects fi
a tool made of two adjustable parts that press together, used to hold objects firmly in place while you work on them
Lena used a clamp to keep the wooden boards together while the glue dried.
The carpenter tightened the clamp around the metal pipe to prevent it from slipping.
collocation: tighten a clamp
A surgical clamp held the blood vessel closed during the operation.
We need a stronger clamp to hold these thick wooden planks in place.
A spring clamp holds the fabric in place while you sew.
用法筆記
Countable noun. Clamps come in many sizes — small spring clamps for light work and large bar clamps for heavy projects.
常見錯誤
clamp — verb
- clamppresent simple I / you / we / they
- clampshe / she / it
- clampedpast simple
- clamping-ing form
1. to press two or more objects together using a clamp so that they stay still
to press two or more objects together using a clamp so that they stay still
Mei clamped the two metal sheets together before drilling holes in them.
clamp + two things + together
The sculptor clamped the stone firmly to the workbench before carving it.
Olu clamped the broken chair leg onto the table so he could glue it back.
The pipe must be clamped in position before you weld it.
Giulia clamped the loose board back onto the fence with a heavy-duty clamp.
- loosen
to make something less tight or free
文法句型
clamp + two things + together
clamp + object + in place/onto something
用法筆記
Often used with adverbs like 'firmly', 'tightly', or 'securely'. The object is typically a combination of two parts being joined.
常見錯誤
2. to fix a metal device to a parked vehicle's wheel so that it cannot be driven, t
to fix a metal device to a parked vehicle's wheel so that it cannot be driven, typically because it is parked illegally
Nadia found her car clamped at the supermarket and had to pay a fine.
passive: car was clamped
The traffic warden clamped the van because it was blocking the emergency exit.
Drivers whose cars are clamped must pay a penalty fee to have the lock removed.
Arun was surprised to find his motorcycle clamped outside the library.
- boot
the American English equivalent; also used as both noun and verb
文法句型
be clamped (by authority)
用法筆記
Most common in British English and more formal contexts. In American English, the verb 'boot' is used instead: 'His car was booted.' Frequently used in the passive voice.
常見錯誤
3. to press something firmly in a position so it cannot move, often using a part of
to press something firmly in a position so it cannot move, often using a part of your body
Sofia clamped her hands over her ears to block out the loud noise.
clamp + hands + over + ears
The little boy clamped his arms around his father's neck and refused to let go.
Fatima clamped the pencil between her teeth while she tied her shoelaces.
Chen's jaw was clamped shut and he refused to say a single word.
文法句型
clamp + body part + over/around + object
clamp + object + shut/between + teeth
用法筆記
Describes a physical pressing action, not a tool. Common with body parts: hand, arm, jaw, teeth, mouth. Also used for inanimate objects being held still by pressure.
常見錯誤
4. to use authority to put a limit, rule, restriction, or extra cost in place
to use authority to put a limit, rule, restriction, or extra cost in place
The city council clamped a ban on short-term rentals in apartment buildings.
clamp + a ban + on + [target]
The school principal clamped a strict no-phone policy on students during class hours.
An extra handling fee was clamped onto every ticket purchased after the deadline.
The government clamped a new carbon tax on all industrial fuel purchases.
文法句型
clamp + something + on/onto + someone/something
用法筆記
Typically found in formal or legal writing. The object is almost always an abstract noun: ban, restriction, fee, charge, rule, or policy. Frequently used in the passive voice.