Definition of Clinch

1. Noun. (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily.

Generic synonyms: Evasive Action, Maneuver, Manoeuvre
Category relationships: Boxing, Fisticuffs, Pugilism

2. Verb. Secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts. "The girder was clinched into the wall"
Generic synonyms: Fasten, Fix, Secure

3. Noun. A small slip noose made with seizing.
Exact synonyms: Clench
Specialized synonyms: Double Clinch, Inside Clinch, Outside Clinch
Generic synonyms: Noose, Running Noose, Slip Noose
Category relationships: Vessel, Watercraft

4. Verb. Hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches.
Generic synonyms: Hold, Take Hold

5. Noun. The flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet.
Group relationships: Bolt, Nail, Rivet
Generic synonyms: Fastener, Fastening, Fixing, Holdfast

6. Verb. Hold in a tight grasp. "Clench a steering wheel"
Exact synonyms: Clench
Generic synonyms: Clutch, Prehend, Seize
Derivative terms: Clench

7. Noun. A device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together.
Exact synonyms: Clamp
Specialized synonyms: Bench Clamp, C-clamp, Cramp, Pipe Clamp, Pipe Vise, Press
Generic synonyms: Holding Device
Derivative terms: Clamp

8. Verb. Embrace amorously.
Generic synonyms: Bosom, Embrace, Hug, Squeeze

9. Noun. A tight or amorous embrace. "Come here and give me a big hug"
Exact synonyms: Hug, Squeeze
Generic synonyms: Embrace, Embracement, Embracing
Derivative terms: Hug

10. Verb. Flatten the ends (of nails and rivets). "The nails were clinched"
Generic synonyms: Fasten, Fix, Secure

11. Verb. Settle conclusively. "Clinch a deal"
Generic synonyms: Determine, Settle, Square Off, Square Up
Derivative terms: Clincher

Definition of Clinch

1. v. t. To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly.

2. v. i. To hold fast; to grasp something firmly; to seize or grasp one another.

3. n. The act or process of holding fast; that which serves to hold fast; a grip; a grasp; a clamp; a holdfast; as, to get a good clinch of an antagonist, or of a weapon; to secure anything by a clinch.

Definition of Clinch

1. Verb. To clasp; to interlock. (defdate 1560s) ¹

2. Verb. To make certain; to finalize. (defdate 1716) ¹

3. Verb. To fasten securely or permanently. ¹

4. Verb. To bend and hammer the point of a nail so it cannot be removed. (defdate 17th century) ¹

5. Verb. To embrace passionately. ¹

6. Noun. Any of several fastenings. ¹

7. Noun. A passionate embrace. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Clinch

1. to settle a matter decisively [v -ED, -ING, -ES]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Clinch

climbing the walls
climbing wall
climbings
climbs
climbs the walls
clime
climes
climograph
clinafloxacin
clinal
clinally
clinamen
clinamens
clinanthia
clinanthium
clinch (current term)
clinch nut
clinched
clincher
clincher-built
clinchers
clinches
clinching
clinchingly
clindamycin
cline
clines
cling
cling film
cling on

Literary usage of Clinch

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Journal of the Rev. Francis Asbury, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal by Francis Asbury (1821)
"We had a dreary ride down to the Ford of clinch, through a solitary plain : many attended at L 's. We rode down to Blackmore's station : here the people ..."

2. Bulletin by Tennessee Division of Geology, Geological Survey, Division of Geology, Tennessee (1913)
"clinch River Valley. In the valley of clinch River the "Rockwood" formation occurs in two areas known as the Lone Mountains; one northwest of Maynard- ville ..."

3. The British Theatre: Or, A Collection of Plays, which are Acted at the edited by Inchbald (1824)
"clinch, jun. I thought, brother, you owed so much to the memory of my ... clinch, sen. How natural 'tis for a country booby to ask impertinent questions ! ..."

4. Men of Mark in Georgia: A Complete and Elaborate History of the State from by William J. Northen (1910)
"The clinch River and clinch Valley in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee ... The records show that his father, Joseph clinch, U-came a first- ..."

5. History of the Settlement and Indian Wars of Tazewell County, Virginia: With by George W. L. Bickley (1852)
"THE principal mountains of Tazewell are clinch, Rich, East River, Brushy, Garden, ... The general course of these mountains is N. 67° E. clinch mountain, ..."

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