| Main Entry: | clench |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | grasp |
Synonyms: |
clamp, clasp, clinch, clutch, constrict, contract, double up, draw together, grapple, grip, hold |
| Notes: | clench means to hold in a tight grasp while clinch means to settle conclusively - for example, hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches |
Antonyms: |
let go, loose, loosen, release |
| Main Entry: | catch |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | ensnare, apprehend |
Synonyms: |
arrest, bag, bust, capture, clasp, claw, clench, clutch, collar, cop, corral, entangle, entrap, get one's fingers on, glom, glove, grab, grasp, grip, hook, lasso, lay hold of, nab, nail, net, pick, pluck, pounce on, prehend, secure, seize, snag, snare, snatch, take, take hold of, trap |
Antonyms: |
free, let go, let off, lose, misplace, miss, release |
| Main Entry: | clamp |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | fasten |
Synonyms: |
brace, clench, clinch, fix, impose, make fast, secure |
Antonyms: |
loosen, open, unbuckle, unclamp, unfasten, unlock |
| Main Entry: | clasp |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | fastener; hold on something |
Synonyms: |
brooch, buckle, catch, clamp, clench, clinch, clip, clutch, embrace, fastening, fibula, grapple, grasp, grip, hasp, hold, hook, hug, pin, safety pin, snap |
| Main Entry: | clinch |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | hold securely; grab |
Synonyms: |
bolt, clamp, clasp, clench, clutch, cuddle, embrace, enfold, fasten, fix, grab hold of, grapple, grasp, grip, hug, lay hands on, make fast, nail, press, rivet, secure, seize, snatch, squeeze |
| Notes: | clench means to hold in a tight grasp while clinch means to settle conclusively - for example, hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches |
Antonyms: |
let go |
| Main Entry: | close |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | obstruct, seal |
Synonyms: |
bang, bar, block, bolt, button, caulk, choke, clap, clench, clog, confine, congest, cork, dam, exclude, fasten, fill, lock, occlude, plug, prevent passage, put to, retard flow, screen, secure, shut, shut off, shutter, slam, stop up, stopper, stuff, turn off |
Antonyms: |
open, release, unclose, unplug, unseal, unstop |
| Main Entry: | clutch |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | strong hold |
Synonyms: |
clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, connection, coupling, grapple, grasp, grip, gripe, link |
| Main Entry: | clutch |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | grab, snatch |
Synonyms: |
catch, cherish, clasp, clench, clinch, cling to, collar, embrace, fasten, glom, grapple, grasp, grip, harbor, hold, hook, keep, nab, nail, put the snare on, seize, snag, snatch, take |
Antonyms: |
let go, unfasten |
| Main Entry: | constrict |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | inhibit |
Synonyms: |
astringe, choke, circumscribe, clench, compress, concentrate, condense, confine, constringe, contract, cramp, curb, draw together, limit, narrow, pinch, restrain, restrict, shrink, squeeze, strangle, strangulate, tauten, tense, tighten, tuck |
Antonyms: |
expand, free, let go, loosen, open, release |
| Main Entry: | contract |
| Part of Speech: | verb |
| Definition: | condense |
Synonyms: |
abate, abbreviate, abridge, become smaller, clench, compress, confine, constrict, consume, curtail, decline, decrease, deflate, draw in, dwindle, ebb, edit, epitomize, evaporate, fall away, fall off, grow less, lessen, lose, narrow, omit, purse, recede, reduce, shrink, shrivel, subside, syncopate, take in, tighten, wane, waste, weaken, wither, wrinkle |
Antonyms: |
amplify, dilate, enlarge, expand, extend, increase, lengthen, spread, stretch |