# clench

/ˈkɫɛntʃ/ (US) · /klˈɛntʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clench
Updated: 2026-05-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "clinch his fists" but "clench his fists" — Learners may confuse 'clench' (to tighten) with 'clinch' (to secure or finalize). You clench a fist, but you clinch a deal.

## Usage notes

- 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').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.