pinch

²pinch

noun

Definition of PINCH

1

a : a critical juncture : emergency b (1) : pressure, stress (2) : hardship, privation c : deficit

2

a : an act of pinching : squeeze b : as much as may be taken between the finger and thumb <a pinch of snuff> c : a very small amount

3

: a marked thinning of a vein or bed

4

a : theft b : a police raid; also : arrest

Examples of PINCH

1. <the pinch of my favorite sweater really bugged me!>
2. <an innocent person caught up in a city-wide pinch of drug dealers>

First Known Use of PINCH

15th century

Related to PINCH

Synonyms: grab, heist, theft, rip-off, snatching, swiping

Antonyms: discharge

Related Words: break-in, burglary, holdup, mugging, stickup

Near Antonyms: emancipation, liberation, release

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at juncture