Main Entry: ¹clutch

Pronunciation: \ˈkləch\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English clucchen, from Old English clyccan

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly
2 obsolete : clenchintransitive verb 1 : to seek to grasp and hold <clutched at her hand>
2 : to operate an automobile clutch

synonyms see take