Cling (Verb)
Meaning 1
Hold on tightly or tenaciously; "hang on to your father's hands"; "The child clung to his mother's apron".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- She clung to her brother's arm as they walked through the crowded mall.
- The child clung tightly to her favorite toy, refusing to let it go.
- As the storm raged on, he clung to the pole to prevent himself from being blown away.
- The hikers clung to the rope, their hands aching as they pulled themselves up the steep cliff.
- The passengers clung to their seats as the plane hit turbulence and shook violently.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation; "The dress clings to her body"; "The label stuck to the box"; "The sushi rice grains cohere".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The child clings to her mother's leg in public, refusing to let go.
- Her wet swimsuit clings to her body as she walks off the beach.
- The sticky note clings to the computer screen, serving as a reminder.
- Freshly applied paint clings to the surface of the old furniture, covering its worn finish.
- The humidity causes the shirt to cling to his back, making him feel sticky.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
To remain emotionally or intellectually attached; "He clings to the idea that she might still love him.".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- She clings to the memories of their first date, replaying it over and over in her mind.
- He clings to the hope that someday he'll be able to reunite with his estranged family.
- The child clings to her favorite stuffed animal, unable to sleep without it.
- She clings to her favorite hobby as a way to cope with stress and anxiety.
- He clings to the belief that he's destined for greatness, no matter how impossible it seems.