clench

verb

clenched; clenching; clenches

transitive verb

1
2
: to hold fast : clutch
clenched the arms of the chair
3
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fists
clench noun

Examples of clench in a Sentence

He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead. He clenched his fists in anger. She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech. She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On match point, Swiatek sailed a forehand long and Keys clenched both fists and let out a huge smile. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 King argued he is entitled to attorneys’ fees from Laney Griner, the mom of the 11-month-old boy who appeared with a clenched first in the viral meme. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 My therapist explained that Buccal facials improve blood circulation, reduce tension in the jaw (especially helpful for those who clench or grind their teeth), and help with lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and give the face a more defined look. Tira Urquhart, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025 Because of gyroscopic technology, a user can, for example, turn a lamp on and off by clenching their teeth, or adjust the TV volume by tilting their head. Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clench 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clench was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near clench

Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clench. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

clench

verb
1
: to hold fast : clutch
2
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fist

More from Merriam-Webster on clench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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