clamp·down
ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n 
: the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent
a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences—
Time
Time
clamped down; clamping down; clamps down
: to impose restrictions : crack down
the police are clamping down on speeders
Examples of clampdown in a Sentence
Verb
the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
There have been two notable effects of Trump’s clampdowns: one is that recent immigration crackdowns are causing widespread alarm which are seeing play out in protests in LA, for example.
—The Hill, 13 June 2025
Larry Madowo, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Look at places that mostly embrace free markets, the United States, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand and Hong Kong (until China’s government clamped down).
—John Stossel, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clampdown
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Noun
Fearful that a new clampdown would lead to his arrest, Artese decided to repatriate to Europe later this year, his daughter said.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
There have been two notable effects of Trump’s clampdowns: one is that recent immigration crackdowns are causing widespread alarm which are seeing play out in protests in LA, for example.
—The Hill, 13 June 2025
Verb
The Trump administration has aggressively clamped down on immigration and continues to tighten requirements for securing US visas.
—Larry Madowo, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Look at places that mostly embrace free markets, the United States, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand and Hong Kong (until China’s government clamped down).
—John Stossel, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clampdown
Cite this Entry
“Clampdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clampdown. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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