Word
clenching
Phoneticsclench·ing
UK/klˈɛntʃɪŋ/
Definition
v. to close something tightly, like your fists or teeth, often when you feel angry, nervous, or in pain.
v. to close or squeeze tightly, especially the fists, teeth, or muscles in response to tension, anger, or effort.
Examples
“She is clenching her fists because she feels angry.”
“He sat in the dentist's waiting room, clenching his jaw while he tried to stay calm.”
“With the turbulence growing worse outside, she sat clenching the armrest, breathing slowly to keep her fear under control.”
Examples
simple
“She is clenching her fists because she feels angry.”
contextual
“He sat in the dentist's waiting room, clenching his jaw while he tried to stay calm.”
complex
“With the turbulence growing worse outside, she sat clenching the armrest, breathing slowly to keep her fear under control.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clenching” in context.
Verb
01. avoid clenching
“Try to avoid clenching your fists when you feel angry.”
verb + noun
02. clenching hurts
“Constant clenching hurts my jaw every morning.”
noun + verb
03. clenching worsens
“Stress-related clenching worsens during exams and deadlines.”
noun + verb
04. stop clenching
“The dentist told me to stop clenching my teeth at night.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. involuntary clenching
“Nighttime involuntary clenching can damage your teeth without you noticing.”
adj + noun
06. nervous clenching
“His nervous clenching of the pen showed how anxious he felt.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. habit of clenching
“He developed a habit of clenching his jaw when concentrating.”
noun + prep + noun
08. catch yourself clenching your jaw
“If you catch yourself clenching your jaw, take a deep breath and relax.”
09. clenching fists in anger
“She was clenching her fists in anger during the argument.”
10. stop clenching your teeth
“My dentist advised me to stop clenching my teeth at night.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often a body part such as fists, teeth, or jaw.
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.” “Emery clenched both fists and momentarily basked in the joy of Villa taking the lead on 77 minutes.” “Seeing his reaction, Brison slowly lifted her oxygen mask and said in a hoarse voice: “I’ll be OK.” Outside on the driveway, Trezise allowed himself one scream to the skies, fists clenched.” “Observers suggested Delcy Rodríguez’s clenched left hand signified her discomfort around Donald Trump.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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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