pinch

pinch

verb

Definition of PINCH

1

to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points <the zipper on those jeans always pinches me>

Synonyms nip

Related Words crimp, tweak; clasp, clutch, grasp, grip, hold, take

Near Antonyms drop, free, loose, loosen, release, spring

2

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep <pinched the earrings while the boutique owner was distracted by another customer>

Synonyms appropriate, boost [slang], filch, heist, hook, lift, misappropriate, nick [British slang], nip, pilfer, pinch, pocket, purloin, rip off, snitch, swipe, thieve

Related Words burglarize, knock over, rob; loot, pillage, plunder, sack; carjack, hijack (also highjack); pick, rifle; poach, rustle, shoplift; collar, grab, grasp, nail, seize, snatch, take; mooch, sponge; abduct, kidnap, shanghai, spirit

Near Antonyms buy, purchase; bestow, contribute, donate, give, hand over, present

3

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law <pinched the purse snatcher just two blocks from where he had robbed the old lady>

Synonyms apprehend, bust [slang], collar, nab, nail, nick [British slang], pick up, pinch, pull in, restrain, run in, seize

Related Words bag, capture, catch, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, snap (up), snare, snatch, trap; commit, confine, detain, hold, immure, imprison, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug, lock (up); bind, enchain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel; rearrest; remand

Near Antonyms emancipate, free, liberate, loose, loosen, release, spring; unbind, unchain

Antonyms discharge

4

to avoid unnecessary waste or expense <if we pinch hard for the upcoming year, we can probably afford the vacation at that fancy resort>

Synonyms pinch, save, scrimp, skimp, spare

Related Words conserve, husband, maintain, manage, preserve; scrape; cut back, cut down, retrench; hoard, lay up

Near Antonyms blow, dissipate, fritter (away), lavish, misspend, run through, spend, squander, throw away; splurge

Antonyms waste