clench

2 definitions • 5 examples

to close or hold something very tightly, often in a determined or angry way:

clench your fist The old man clenched his fist and waved it angrily at us.

be clenched in With a knife clenched in his teeth, he climbed up the tree to cut some coconuts.

be clenched between He was still able to paint, learning to use a brush clenched between his toes.

through clenched teeth "Get out of here," she said through clenched teeth.

to hold something tightly, or press together your lips or your hands in anger or determination:

He clenched his fist and waved it at the crowd.