clenches
Squeezes with force
Clenches is the verb form of clench, meaning to close or squeeze tightly.
You clench your fist in anger, clench your jaw in determination, or clench something in your grip: She clenches the steering wheel during turbulence.
The word suggests tension—physical or emotional—and deliberate muscular effort.
Tightly closed hand
- jawBone holding teeth
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
- fingersAppendages of the hand
- knucklesFinger-to-hand joints
palm · hand · clutch · clasp · squeeze · grasp · tighten · ball
Contractile body tissue
- stomachDigestive organ below chest
- gutDigestive tract, or instinct
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
- sphincterMuscle encircling body opening
buttocks · contraction · spasm · cramp · tense · flex · tighten · brace
Pressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- rageIntense, violent anger
fear · nervousness · determination · resolve · bracing · anticipation · restraint · suppression
fist
Tightly closed hand
knuckles · palm · hand · clutch · clasp · squeeze · grasp · tighten · ball · curl
muscle
Contractile body tissue
sphincter · buttocks · contraction · spasm · cramp · tense · flex · tighten · brace · coil
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
rage · fear · nervousness · determination · resolve · bracing · anticipation · restraint · suppression · strain
- clenched fistTightly closed hand
- clenched jawTensed mouth, teeth together
- clenched teeth
- jaw clenchingInvoluntary facial muscle tension
- clenching fistsClosing hands tightly
- teeth clenchingForceful bite without chewing
clench, clenched, unclench, clenching, clencher, unclenched, unclenching, unclenches, clenchers