Clutch (Verb)
Meaning 1
Take hold of; grab; "The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- As the bus suddenly stopped, she clutched the pole tightly to maintain her balance.
- During the argument, he clutched her arm, pulling her back into the conversation.
- The excited child clutched her favorite toy tightly as she was led to the birthday party.
- She clutched her coat tightly around her to protect against the harsh wind and rain.
- The detective clutched the vital piece of evidence just before the suspect tried to take it away from him.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
- Grip
- Snatch Up
- Clench
- Collar
- Nail
- Cop
- Clinch
- Snatch
- Get
- Catch
- Clasp
- Nab
- Claw
- Arrest
- Pick Up
- Grab
- Grapple
- Rack
Related Words
Meaning 2
Hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm when she got scared".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- She clutched her purse tightly as she walked down the dark alley.
- The young boy clutched his mother's hand, refusing to let go.
- He clutched the steering wheel as he navigated the winding mountain road.
- She clutched her chest in shock as she heard the news.
- The hikers clutched the rocks for support as they made their way up the steep slope.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Affect; "Fear seized the prisoners"; "The patient was seized with unbearable pains"; "He was seized with a dreadful disease".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- Panic began to clutch her as the sirens got closer.
- A severe anxiety began to clutch her every time she had to give a presentation.
- The thought of losing his job suddenly began to clutch him with worry.
- Fear began to clutch her as she walked home alone in the dark.
- Grief began to clutch his heart as he received the news of his sister's passing.