clinch (klɪntʃ
)
Definitions
verb
- (tr) to secure (a driven nail) by bending the protruding point over
- (tr) to hold together in such a manner ⇒
to clinch the corners of the frame
- (tr) to settle (something, such as an argument, bargain, etc) in a definite way
- (tr) nautical to fasten by means of a clinch
- (intr) to engage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling
noun
- the act of clinching
- a nail with its point bent over
- the part of such a nail, etc, that has been bent over
- boxing wrestling an act or an instance in which one or both competitors hold on to the other to avoid punches, regain wind, etc
- slang a lovers' embrace
- nautical a loop or eye formed in a line by seizing the end to the standing part.
Also (for senses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10)
Word Origin
C16: variant of clenchUsage examples
"No chance," he said, pushing me up against the wall and trying to get into a clinch.
, SEX (2001)Increasingly, Chief Minister Manohar Joshi and the Sena manoeuvred to clinch the upper hand on almost every issue of significance.
India Today (1997)Calgary's Kelly Bechard was the only one able to score in the shootout to clinch the victory for the Oval X-Treme.
CBC (2004)Miami Dolphins visit New England Patriots knowing that the winning team will clinch a coveted play-off berth.
Glasgow Herald (2001)They were anxious to have him aboard because they rightly sensed that his decision would clinch the involvement of many others.
, Franco (1993)