Main Entry:

clench

Pronunciation:

\ˈklench\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

Date:

13th century

1 : clinch 2 2 : to hold fast : clutch <clenched the arms of the chair> 3 : to set or close tightly <clench one's teeth> <clench one's fists>

— clench noun