cling to
Refuse to release
To cling to something is to hold onto it tightly, whether physically or emotionally.
A child clings to a parent's leg; a survivor clings to wreckage.
Figuratively, people cling to beliefs, habits, or hopes they're reluctant to release: She clung to the idea that he might return.
The phrase often implies desperation or resistance to change.
Secure manual hold
- graspSeize or understand
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- holdMaintain in grasp
- claspSecuring device that clicks
embrace · hug · squeeze · latch onto · hang onto · wrap around · entwine · nestle
Connection or fondness
- dependenceState of needing another
- needinessExcessive emotional reliance
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- possessivenessExcessive attachment to ownership
separation anxiety · codependency · devotion · loyalty · bond · connection · security blanket · loved one
Keep in condition
- preserveProtect from loss
- retainKeep possession of
- keepRetain or fortified tower
- upholdMaintain or confirm officially
sustain · continue · hold fast · steadfast · unwavering · resolute · persistent · insistent
Essential connection to safety
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- desperationUtter loss of hope
- last resortFinal available option
- hold onWait or maintain grip
hang on · survival · endurance · perseverance · tenacity · determination · willpower · resilience
grip
Secure manual hold
clasp · embrace · hug · squeeze · latch onto · hang onto · wrap around · entwine · nestle · burrow
attachment
Connection or fondness
- dependenceState of needing another
- needinessExcessive emotional reliance
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
possessiveness · separation anxiety · codependency · devotion · loyalty · bond · connection · security blanket · loved one · relationship
maintain
Keep in condition
uphold · sustain · continue · hold fast · steadfast · unwavering · resolute · persistent · insistent · unyielding
lifeline
Essential connection to safety
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- desperationUtter loss of hope
- last resortFinal available option
hold on · hang on · survival · endurance · perseverance · tenacity · determination · willpower · resilience · grit
tradition
Custom passed through generations
- faithTrust without proof
- ideologyStructured belief framework
- convictionFirmly held belief
principle · value · dogma · orthodoxy · custom · ritual · heritage · identity · nostalgia · past
- dependencedepend, depend on, dependency, rely, need
- closenessclose by, close contact, close-knit, next door, up close
- hugshug, hugging, embrace, bear hug, group hug