clinch

/klɪntʃ/

/klɪntʃ/

Other forms: clinched; clinching; clinches

When you clinch something, you confirm it, the way you clinch a deal with your brother to trade chores next week by shaking hands on it.

The verb clinch arose as a variation of clench, and its original meaning was "fix securely (a driven nail) by bending and beating it back." Out of this sense of securing something physically came the figurative meaning of settling or securing an argument, deal, or bargain. You can also use it as a noun to mean "an embrace or close scuffle," like when a boxing referee pulls fighters out of a clinch.

Definitions of clinch

1. verb

   secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
   “The girder was clinched into the wall”

   type of:

   fasten, fix, secure

   cause to be firmly attached
2. verb

   flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
   “the nails were clinched”

   type of:

   fasten, fix, secure

   cause to be firmly attached
3. noun

   the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
   type of:

   fastener, fastening, fixing, holdfast

   restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
4. verb

   settle conclusively
   “clinch a deal”

   type of:

   determine, settle, square off, square up

   settle conclusively; come to terms
5. verb

   hold in a tight grasp
   synonyms: clench

   type of:

   clutch, prehend, seize

   take hold of; grab
6. verb

   embrace amorously
   type of:

   bosom, embrace, hug, squeeze

   squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
7. verb

   hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches
   type of:

   hold, take hold

   have or hold in one's hands or grip
8. noun

   a tight or amorous embrace
   synonyms: hug, squeeze

   type of:

   embrace, embracement, embracing

   the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
9. noun

   (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
   type of:

   evasive action, maneuver, manoeuvre

   an action aimed at evading an opponent
10. noun

    a small slip noose made with seizing
    synonyms: clench

    types:

    double clinch

    a clinch with two loops

    inside clinch

    a clinch with the end of the line inside the loop

    outside clinch

    a clinch with the end of the line outside the loop

    type of:

    noose, running noose, slip noose

    a loop formed in a cord or rope by means of a slipknot; it binds tighter as the cord or rope is pulled
11. noun

    a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
    synonyms: clamp

    types:

    bench clamp

    a clamp used to hold work in place on a workbench

    C-clamp

    a clamp in the shape of the letter C

    cramp

    a clamp for holding pieces of wood together while they are glued

    pipe clamp, pipe vise

    a clamp for holding pipe that is to be cut or threaded

    press

    clamp to prevent wooden rackets from warping when not in use

    type of:

    holding device

    a device for holding something