clenches; clenched; clenching
1
: to set (something) in a tightly closed position
He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead.
He clenched his fists in anger.
She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth.
His jaw/fists clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech.
2
: to hold (something) tightly
She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth.
He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
Cite this Entry
“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/clench. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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