clinch
clinch Lexical Profile
clinch Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To conclusively settle, secure, or win (a deal, argument, championship, or victory).
"Her eloquent closing presentation helped the firm clinch the multimillion-dollar contract."
To grapple with and hold an opponent closely in boxing or martial arts so as to prevent them from throwing effective punches.
"Whenever the challenger landed a heavy combination, the tired champion would clinch to buy time."
To secure or make fast (a driven nail, bolt, or rivet) by hammering down or flattening the point that protrudes through the material.
"The carpenter used a heavy hammer to clinch the nails on the underside of the oak door."
• noun
A grappling maneuver in boxing or martial arts in which one or both combatants hold the other's body or arms to prevent or hinder punches.
"The referee stepped in to separate the two exhausted boxers from a prolonged clinch."
An affectionate or passionate embrace between two people.
"The classic romance film concludes with the reunited lovers locked in a dramatic clinch at the train station."
A fastening made by driving a nail, bolt, or rivet through material and hammering down or flattening the protruding point, or a secure nautical knot used for fastening heavy ropes.
"The shipwright inspected the iron clinch on each plank to ensure the hull remained watertight."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'clinch' with 'clench': 'clench' typically refers to closing or tightening a body part (such as clenching one's teeth or fists), whereas 'clinch' means to conclusively settle a deal, secure a victory, or hold an opponent in boxing.
• Rhymes for clinch
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the 16th century as a phonetic variant of 'clench', from Middle English 'clenchen' and Old English 'rencan' or 'clencan' (to make cling or hold fast), originally referring to bending over the point of a driven nail to secure it.