Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
pinch

pinch

 
 
pronunciation:
pInch
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
phrases:
pinch pennies
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: pinches, pinching, pinched
definition 1: to press forcefully between two surfaces, such as the fingers, parts of a tool, or the like.
He pinched my cheek.
synonyms:
compress, squeeze
similar words:
constrict, nip, tighten, tweak, wring
definition 2: to perform such an action on (someone).
He was pretending to be asleep so she pinched him.
synonyms:
nip
similar words:
tweak
definition 3: to restrict (a body part) tightly and painfully.
This helmet pinches my ears.
synonyms:
restrict
similar words:
constrict, cramp, squeeze
definition 4: to place a tight constraint on; restrict; constrict.
My budget has been pinched by the high cost of living.
synonyms:
constrain, constrict, cramp, limit, restrain, restrict
similar words:
tighten
definition 5: to cause to be distressed, pale, or withered.
The winds pinched her ears.His face was pinched by mourning.The flowers were pinched by wintry weather.
similar words:
discomfort, distress
definition 6: (informal) to take into police custody; arrest.
He thought he got away with it, but the cops pinched him the next day.
synonyms:
apprehend, arrest, bust, collar, nab
definition 7: (informal) to steal (usu. something small in size).
Somebody pinched my tickets.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to cause pain or discomfort, esp. by restriction or forceful pressing.
My gloves pinch.Poverty pinches.
similar words:
constrict, cramp, squeeze
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: pinch pennies
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the action or an instance of pinching.
synonyms:
constriction
similar words:
nip, squeeze, tweak
definition 2: a small quantity, esp. that which can be picked up between the thumb and finger.
a pinch of salt
synonyms:
bit, drop, smidgen, soupçon, trace
similar words:
dab, dash, speck
definition 3: an instance or condition of extreme need or emergency.
He helped me out in a pinch.
synonyms:
emergency, need, urgency
similar words:
adversity, clutch, crunch, extremity, hardship, pressure, push, spot, stress
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
Word Explorer
See
  cook