Clench
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3
Strong Emotion
Use 'clench' to describe a physical response to intense feelings like anger or determination. During the debate, she clenched her fists to stay composed.
Pro Tip 2/3
Physical Tension
'Clench' often implies a body part is tense and tight, not relaxed. He clenched his muscles, readying for the sprint.
Pro Tip 3/3
Controlled Action
Clenching is usually a deliberate action, not something done by accident. She clenched the rope tightly to keep from falling.