Meaning

To bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed..

Definitions by Sense

1. To bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed.
2. To clasp; to interlock.
3. To fasten securely or permanently.
4. To make certain; to finalize.
5. To hold firmly; to clench
6. To set closely together; to close tightly.
7. To hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to avoid being hit while resting momentarily
8. To secure a spot (e.g., at the divisional championship) before the end of regular season play by having an insurmountable lead.

Example Sentences

“Beloved shipmates, clinch the last verse of the first chapter of Jonah—‘And God had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.’”

I already planned to buy the car, but the color was what really clinched it for me.

Vincent Kompany was sent off after conceding a penalty that was converted by Stephen Hunt to give Wolves hope. But Adam Johnson's curling shot in stoppage time clinched the points.

to clinch the teeth or the fist

[T]ry if the heads of the nails [of horseshoes] be fast, and whether they be well clinched; if not, send presently for a smith; always stand by while the smith is employed.

It put the U.S. on the brink of clinching a spot in the quarterfinals.

to get a good clinch of an antagonist, or of a weapon

to secure anything by a clinch

Word Forms

• clinches
• clinching
• clinched

Synonyms for clinch

Related Words

When Should You Use Clinch?

Use clinch when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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