Word
clench
US/ˈkɫɛntʃ/
UK/klˈɛntʃ/
Definition
v. to close a part of your body, like your hand or teeth, very tightly. You often do this when you feel angry, determined, or in pain.
v. to close into a tight ball, as with the fists, or to hold something firmly and tightly. This action often implies determination, anger, or physical effort.
Examples
“He clenches his fists when he is angry.”
“The driver clenched the steering wheel as the car skidded on the icy road.”
“Confronted with the accusation, she said nothing, but her jaw clenched, betraying the anger she refused to voice.”
Examples
simple
“He clenches his fists when he is angry.”
contextual
“The driver clenched the steering wheel as the car skidded on the icy road.”
complex
“Confronted with the accusation, she said nothing, but her jaw clenched, betraying the anger she refused to voice.”
Usage
Primarily transitive, taking a direct object like 'fist' or 'jaw'. It can also function intransitively, where a body part tightens in response to an emotion (e.g., 'his stomach clenched').
Pitfall
clinch his fists
clench his fists
Learners may confuse 'clench' (to tighten) with 'clinch' (to secure or finalize). You clench a fist, but you clinch a deal.
Real-World Examples
“Aarsheim clenches his fists on the touchline when one of the crossfield switches Viking have been practising finishes with a tap-in.” Etymology
From Middle English clenchen, a variant of Old English clenċan “to hold fast”, itself a variant of clenġan “to adhere, remain”. All derive from Proto-Germanic klangijaną, the causative of klinganą “to stick, adhere”. The kinship with cling is immediate: the roots never let go.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clench