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clutch1

 
 
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
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
 
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
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
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
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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derivations: clutchy (adj.), clutchingly (adv.)
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