clampdown

1 of 2

noun

clamp·​down ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n 

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

a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences

—Time

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

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

The former Columbia University graduate student, a symbol of President Trump’s clampdown on campus protests, vowed to continue protesting Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip. —Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025

In India, religious minorities are experiencing rising violence and a sustained clampdown on dissent under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. —Elisa Manfredini, Time, 14 June 2025

Verb

Simply clamp down with the single barrel, using the tool itself to space each wave. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 June 2025

Edmonton forward Adam Henrique scored twice in the opening period, and from there the Oilers clamped down defensively and watched the clock run out. —Jesse Granger, New York Times, 13 May 2025

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