clenched
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɫɛntʃt// UK //klˈɛntʃt// clenched
v. to hold something tightly in your hand or to press your jaw together tightly. You do this when you are angry, nervous, or trying to stay strong.
v. to hold something tightly in the hand or to press the teeth together firmly. Often used to describe physical tension resulting from strong emotions.
He clenched his fists when he heard the bad news.
The athlete clenched her jaw during the final seconds of the race to stay focused.
As the tension in the room grew, he clenched his hands into tight fists, though he remained silent to avoid further provoking the situation.