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

Policy experts said there’s little evidence to support the notion of a fraud clampdown being the primary factor. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 July 2026

Vucic has pushed back hard against the protesters, and has also faced European Union criticism over Serbia's democratic backsliding, including a media clampdown. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Verb

This piece of Florida’s war on woke clamped down on speaking the wrong words in college and university classrooms, particularly about race and color, lest impressionable ears catch wind of an opinion not their own. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026

In Red Sheet, which is set, like most of his novels, in mid-century Los Angeles, Ellroy abandons the three-character structure in favor of a single narrative voice that clamps down hard. — Carolyn Kellogg, The Atlantic, 8 July 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