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clutch1
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- pronunciation:
- kluhch
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: |
transitive verb |
inflections: |
clutches, clutching, clutched |
definition 1: |
to grab with or as if with the hands; seize.
He clutched his briefcase and stormed out of the house.She clutched her mother's hand as they entered the hospital.He clutched her shoulders and begged her to come with him.- synonyms:
- grab, grasp, nab, seize, snatch
- antonyms:
- release
- similar words:
- capture, catch, grip, take
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definition 2: |
to keep in a firm grasp; hold tightly; grip.
She clutched her son to her, shedding tears of relief at his safe return.He clutched the railing as he leaned over to look down at the river.The little boy clutched his teddy bear as he was wheeled into surgery.- synonyms:
- clasp, grasp, grip
- similar words:
- clench, hold
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related words: |
pluck, snatch |
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part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
definition: |
to try to seize (usu. fol. by "at").
He clutched at a branch as he fell from the tree.She clutches at every opportunity that comes her way.- synonyms:
- grasp
- similar words:
- grab, pluck, seize, snatch, tear
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part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
a firm grasp or grip.
He lost his clutch on the gun, and the police officer was able to grab it from him.- synonyms:
- clench, grip
- similar words:
- bite, clasp, grasp
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definition 2: |
(usu. pl.) control or power, esp. of a hostile sort.
He was not killed but fell into the clutches of the enemy.She prayed that her daughter would avoid the devil's clutches.- synonyms:
- grasp
- similar words:
- control, custody, hold, mastery, power
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definition 3: |
the act of seizing or holding firmly.
His clutch on the handle was tight and unshakable.- synonyms:
- clasp, grab, grasp, grip, hold, seizure, snatch
- similar words:
- capture
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definition 4: |
a mechanical device for engaging and disengaging two shafts or other moving parts of an engine, as in an automobile.
You have to use the clutch when you change gears. |
definition 5: |
the lever, pedal, or the like that activates such a device.
You operate the clutch with your left foot. |
definition 6: |
a tense, crucial situation.
He always panics in a clutch.- synonyms:
- crisis, crunch, pinch
- similar words:
- emergency
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related words: |
crisis, grab, lock |
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derivations: |
clutchy (adj.), clutchingly (adv.) |
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