clench

Noun

• the act of grasping
  • he released his clasp on my arm
    
  • he has a strong grip for an old man
    
  • she kept a firm hold on the railing
    

• a small slip noose made with seizing

Verb

• squeeze together tightly
  • clench one's jaw
    

• hold in a tight grasp
  • clench a steering wheel
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  clasp , clutch , clutches , grasp , grip , hold , clinch