clamp down

verb

clamped down; clamping down; clamps down
Synonyms of clamp downnext

intransitive verb

: to impose restrictions : crack down
the police are clamping down on speeders

Examples of clamp down in a Sentence

the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bednar’s white board during the playoffs never seems to have an answer for a team that takes away the rush, clogs the neutral zone and clamps down on the tempo. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 But after allowing the visiting Portland Thorns to get on the board first, the Current clamped down for a 3-1 home victory. Jeff Rosen, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026 Also like Orban, Jansa has faced accusations of clamping down on democratic institutions and press freedoms during a previous term in 2020-2022. Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 Their enormous talons penetrate deeply into tissue, while the bird’s powerful flexor muscles clamp down with immense force. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clamp down

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clamp down was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Clamp down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamp%20down. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

clamp down

verb
: to act in a strict and forceful manner to stop something
laws clamping down on fraud

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