Clench Meaning in English
word
Definition
To close your hand or teeth tightly, usually because of anger, stress, or pain.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with 'fist', 'teeth', or 'jaw' ('clench your fists/teeth/jaw'). Implies strong emotion or effort. Not used with 'eyes' (use 'close' or 'shut' instead). Common in both literal and figurative senses (e.g., 'clench with determination').
Spanish: apretar (los dientes, el puño) - tensarPortuguese (BR): cerrar (o apertar) com força - apertar (o punho, os dentes)Portuguese (PT): cerrar (ou apertar) com força - apertar (o punho, os dentes)Chinese (Simplified): 紧握 - 咬紧Chinese (Traditional): 緊握 - 咬緊Hindi: जकड़ना - कसकर पकड़ना (मुट्ठी/दांत)Arabic: يقبض بقوة - يضغط (الأسنان أو القبضة)Bengali: মুষ্টিবদ্ধ করা - আঁকড়ে ধরা (চোয়াল/দাঁত)Russian: сжимать - стискиватьJapanese: 握りしめる - 食いしばるVietnamese: siết chặtKorean: 꽉 쥐다 - 꽉 물다Turkish: sıkmakUrdu: بھینچناIndonesian: menggenggam erat - mengatup erat
Example Sentences
He clenched his fists when he heard the bad news.
basic
She clenched her teeth in pain.
basic
Please clench your hand into a fist.
basic
I could see his jaw clench as he tried to stay calm.
natural
Sometimes I clench my fists without realizing it when I’m nervous.
natural
She gave a speech, her hands clenched tightly behind her back.
natural