cling
word
/ˈkɫɪŋ/
kling
/klˈɪŋ/
kling
Definition
To hold on tightly to something or someone, either physically or emotionally. Also means to stick closely to a surface.
Usage & Nuances
Irregular past tense: "clung". Emotionally, "clingy" (adjective) describes someone who is too dependent or needy — negative connotation. "Cling to hope/power/beliefs" = refuse to let go. "Cling wrap" = plastic wrap that sticks to surfaces. Wet clothes "cling to" the body.
Spanish: aferrarse - agarrarsePortuguese (BR): agarrar-se - apegar-sePortuguese (PT): agarrar-se - apegar-seChinese (Simplified): 紧贴 - 依附Chinese (Traditional): 緊貼 - 依附Hindi: चिपकना - लिपटनाArabic: يتمسك - يتشبثBengali: আঁকড়ে ধরা - লেগে থাকাRussian: цепляться - прилипатьJapanese: しがみつく - くっつくVietnamese: bám lấy - dính chặtKorean: 달라붙다 - 집착하다Turkish: tutunmak - yapışmakUrdu: چمٹنا - لپٹناIndonesian: melekat - menempel
Example Sentences
The baby clings to her mother when she's scared.
basic
The wet shirt clung to his body.
basic
She clung to the rope and didn't let go.
basic
He still clings to the hope that she'll come back someday.
natural
The smell of smoke clung to my clothes for hours.
natural
You need to stop clinging to the past and move on with your life.
natural