clinch

¹clinch

verb \ˈklinch\

Definition of CLINCH

transitive verb

1

: clench 3

2

a : to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail); also : to treat (as a screw, bolt, or rivet) in a similar way

b : to fasten in this way

3

a : to make final or irrefutable : settle <that clinched the argument>

b : to assure the winning of <scored a touchdown to clinch the game>

intransitive verb

1

: to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms

2

: to hold fast or firmly

— clinch·ing·ly \ˈklin-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of CLINCH

1. His home run clinched the victory.
2. The new evidence clinches the case.
3. Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion.
4. The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague.
5. If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.

Origin of CLINCH

probably alteration of clench

First Known Use: 1542

Related to CLINCH

Synonyms

decide, determine, nail, settle

Related Words

demonstrate, establish, nail (down), prove, show; affirm, assure, ensure, insure, secure; define, specify, state, stipulate; clarify, clear (up), illuminate; conclude, end, finish

Near Antonyms

confuse, muddle, muddy, unsettle

Rhymes with CLINCH

chinch, cinch, finch, flinch, grinch, inch, lynch, Minch, pinch, squinch, winch

²clinch

noun

Definition of CLINCH

1

: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt; also : the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt

2

archaic : pun

3

: an act or instance of clinching in boxing

4

: embrace

Examples of CLINCH

1. The referee told the boxers to break their clinch.

First Known Use of CLINCH

1659

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

Clinch

geographical name \ˈklinch\

Definition of CLINCH

river ab 300 miles (480 kilometers) SW Virginia & E Tennessee flowing SW into Tennessee River