clenched

IPA/klentʃ/
KK[klˈɛntʃt]IPA/klentʃ/

clenched — verb

  • clenchedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • clencheds3rd person singular
  • clencheding-ing form
  • clenchededpast simple

1. the past tense and past participle of 'clench', used when someone pressed their

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

the past tense and past participle of 'clench', used when someone pressed their teeth, fist, or hand tight, or kept a strong hold on something.

例句

Minh clenched the wet rope as the boat moved toward the rocks.

clenched + object while trying to hold on

Layla clenched her teeth when the clerk laughed at her question.

clenched + teeth from anger or shame

同義詞
  • grip

    broader and more neutral for holding something firmly

  • clutch

    often suggests a sudden, fearful, or urgent hold

  • grit

    used mainly with teeth and stresses determination

反義詞
  • release

    let go of what you were holding

  • loosen

    make a grip or tight body part less tight

文法句型

clenched + object

clenched + fist/teeth/hand

through clenched teeth

had + clenched + object

用法筆記

Object is often a fist, teeth, a jaw, or someone's hand, and the word usually suggests anger, fear, pain, or strong effort. In the pattern 'through clenched teeth', it describes speech made while the teeth stay tight.

常見錯誤

❌Layla clenched at the rope when the ladder slipped.
✅Layla clenched the rope when the ladder slipped.
💡'clench' takes the thing held tightly as a direct object, not 'at'.
❌Emre had clench his fist before the race began.
✅Emre had clenched his fist before the race began.
💡after 'had', use the past participle 'clenched'.