clench

clench /klentʃ/ verb [transitiveT]

1 clench your fists/teeth/jaw etc HOLDto hold your hands, teeth etc together tightly, usually because you feel angry or determined 〔因愤怒或下决心而〕握紧拳头/咬紧牙关等

Jody was pacing the sidelines, her fists clenched.

乔迪在球场的边线上紧握着拳头来回踱步。

Examples from the Corpus

clench your fists/teeth/jaw etc• Papa clenched his fists and lips in the dark wood.• He clenched his fists and remained where he was.• He clenched his fists even tighter.• He clenched his fists in frustration and annoyance.• He clenched his teeth, pulled back his shoulders and began to stride up the road.• He clenched his teeth together but the first syllable forced itself around the corner of his mouth.• I clenched my teeth, wondering what to do now.

2 to hold something tightly in your hand or between your teeth 紧握；紧咬

a cigar clenched between his teeth

他叼在嘴里的一支雪茄

Examples from the Corpus

clench• My apron flapped, my teeth were clenched.• He succeeded in pulling apart my clenched arms and started on my legs.• His buttocks were clenched as he moved towards her.• She clenched her fists, on the verge of tears.• The shock was terrific, he gasped into his oxygen mask, his hands clenching involuntarily.• I clenched out the light and stuck my fingers in my ears.• Her muscles involuntarily clenched, then went limp.

Origin clench

Old English beclencan

clench verb

Chinese

Corpus