clamp down on

phrasal verb

clamped down on; clamping down on; clamps down on

Definition of clamp down on

1 : to try harder to punish (people who are doing something that is not legal or proper) Customs officials are clamping down on smugglers. The school should clamp down on students who cut classes.

2 : to work harder to stop (a crime) The state is clamping down on drug trafficking.

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Dictionary Entries Near clamp down on

clamp down

clamp down on

clamper

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Cite this Entry

“Clamp down on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamp%20down%20on. Accessed 16 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA