clench Definition

clench
verb clenches, clenched, clenching

1. To close one's teeth or one's fists tightly, especially in anger.
2. To hold or grip firmly.

Thesaurus: clasp, grip, clutch, grasp; tense, constrict, grip.

noun clenches

1. The action of clenching.
2. A very tight grasp.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon beclencan to hold fast.