clamp
clamp Lexical Profile
clamp Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical device used to bind, press, or hold two or more objects firmly together to prevent movement or separation.
"The carpenter used a large wooden clamp to hold the glued boards in place while they dried."
British A heavy metal immobilizing device securely attached to the wheel of an illegally parked vehicle to prevent it from being driven away.
"When she returned to her car, she was dismayed to find a yellow clamp attached to the front wheel."
• verb
To fasten, bind, or hold objects tightly together using a mechanical device or strong physical grip.
"The surgeon clamped the severed artery to stop the bleeding before proceeding with the operation."
To hold something tightly against or between parts of the body, such as the jaws or arms.
"He clamped his teeth together in frustration as the opposing team scored the winning goal."
British To attach a heavy immobilizing device to the wheel of a parked vehicle (usually for illegal parking).
"The traffic warden clamped the illegally parked sedan after it had been blocking the intersection for two hours."
• Rhymes for clamp
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'clampe', of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch 'klampe' and Middle Low German 'klampe' (meaning 'a hook or cleat'), sharing an ancient root with words like 'clam' and 'clamber' denoting something that binds or holds tightly together.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.