clench

/klentʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /klentʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklench/ (ame, mw)

clench — verb

  • clenchpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • clencheshe / she / it
  • clenchedpast simple
  • clenching-ing form

1. to press a part of your body, such as your hand or jaw, into a tight, hard posit

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to press a part of your body, such as your hand or jaw, into a tight, hard position by contracting the muscles — this often happens as an automatic response when you feel angry, anxious, determined, or in pain.

例句

As the final bell rang, Diego clenched his fists and waited for the referee's decision.

collocation: clench + fists

Nadia clenched her jaw when she heard her colleague take credit for her idea.

collocation: clench + jaw for suppressed anger

同義詞
  • grip

    more general — can be used for holding objects; less emotional than clench

  • squeeze

    suggests pressing from all sides; often used for soft objects or hugs

  • tighten

    broader meaning — can apply to screws, belts, rules; not limited to body parts

  • clutch

    suggests a sudden, desperate grab; stronger sense of urgency than clench

反義詞
  • relax

    opposite action — to make muscles loose again after clenching

  • release

    to let go of something that was held tight

文法句型

clench + noun phrase (fist(s), teeth, jaw, hand)

用法筆記

The direct object is almost always a body part (fist, teeth, jaw, hand) or occasionally an object that the person grips out of tension. This sense is rarely used for holding objects in a neutral or practical way — use 'grip' or 'hold' instead.

常見錯誤

❌She clenched her bag strap tightly while walking home.
✅She gripped her bag strap tightly while walking home.
💡'clench' mainly describes body parts pressing together, not holding objects neutrally.
❌He clenched the door handle and turned it.
✅He grasped the door handle and turned it.
💡use 'grasp' or 'grip' for a neutral holding action.