clampdown

1 of 2

noun

clamp·​down ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n 

: the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent

… a violent clampdown on suspected Communists …

—Marie Arana

clamp down

2 of 2

verb

clamped down; clamping down; clamps down

intransitive verb

: to impose restrictions : crack down

the police are clamping down on speeders

Synonyms of clampdown

Verb

• quell
• suppress
• crack down (on)
• subdue
• sit on

Examples of clampdown in a Sentence

Verb

the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sweden’s parliament has approved a law forcing many public employees to report migrants lacking legal status, part of a broader clampdown as the EU overhauls migration rules; teachers, doctors and social workers are exempt. —Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

Ever since the January uprisings against the regime, Tehran has enforced a bloody clampdown against its opponents. —Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

Verb

City leaders who spoke with The Star broadly agreed with Lucas’ push to clamp down on similar businesses. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

The White House and Congress are working on a deal to clamp down on what US citizens are allowed to say online. —Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1940, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clampdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

clamp down

verb

: to act in a strict and forceful manner to stop something

laws clamping down on fraud