clasp

/klɑːsp/ (bre, ipa) · /klæsp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklasp/ (ame, mw)

clasp — verb

  • clasppresent simple I / you / we / they
  • claspshe / she / it
  • claspedpast simple
  • clasping-ing form

1. to grip a person or object tightly using your hand, or to wrap both arms around

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to grip a person or object tightly using your hand, or to wrap both arms around someone and pull them close

例句

Yara clasped the old photograph to her chest and smiled.

clasp + object + to + chest (holding something close to the body)

Kofi and his father clasped hands before the long journey.

clasp hands (a farewell or greeting gesture)

同義詞
  • grip

    emphasises steady strength of the whole hand; less emotional than clasp

  • grasp

    focuses on the moment of seizing or reaching for something

  • clutch

    implies urgency, fear, or desperation in the hold

  • embrace

    always involves both arms and carries warmth or affection

反義詞
  • release

    to let go of a held person or object

  • let go

    the everyday opposite of clasping, especially with the hands

文法句型

clasp + someone/something

clasp + object + to + chest/body

clasp + hands

clasp + arms + around + someone

用法筆記

Frequently used with body-part complements: clasp someone's hand, clasp an arm around someone. The object can be a person (in an embrace), a body part, or a held item. Often implies an emotional context — affection, comfort, or fear — rather than purely physical force.

常見錯誤

She clasped for the door handle in the dark.
She groped for the door handle in the dark.
💡clasp does not mean reaching out or searching with your hands; it describes holding something you already have.

2. to close and secure the two ends of a necklace, belt, bag, or similar item by en

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to close and secure the two ends of a necklace, belt, bag, or similar item by engaging its small built-in metal fastener

例句

Nadia clasped her silver necklace before stepping onto the stage.

clasp a necklace (jewellery fastening)

Clive bent down to clasp his daughter's sandal for her.

同義詞
  • fasten

    a general term for closing or securing; not specific to clasp-type fasteners

  • buckle

    specifically fastening with a buckle, a particular kind of clasp

  • secure

    broader; can refer to any method of closing or making safe

反義詞
  • undo

    the most common opposite for releasing a clasp fastener

  • unclasp

    specifically opening or releasing a clasp mechanism

文法句型

clasp + a necklace/belt/bag/bracelet

clasp + object + shut

clasp + object + around + wrist/neck

用法筆記

Subject is typically a person; the object is the item bearing the fastener (necklace, belt, bag). Common in everyday contexts of dressing, packing, and jewellery. Distinguish from verb/1 (HOLD TIGHTLY): this sense is about closing or securing, not about gripping.

常見錯誤

He clasped his coat before going outside.
He buttoned his coat before going outside.
💡clasp is for items with a metal hook or buckle fastener, not for buttons or zips.

clasp — noun