noun / verb

clutch

KLUCH/klʌtʃ/

A grip that engages and holds something firmly.

The woman clutches a folded scarf tightly against her chest.

A middle-aged white woman tightly clutches a folded scarf against her chest, with visibly curled fingers compressing the fabric.

Etymology

clutchOld Englishto bring together, clench

Clyccan included bending the fingers and clenching them together. This hand-closing action developed into grasping something, then holding it tightly and close.

In context

Wendigoon54:39

after the first mouthful his body stiffen his eyes glazed and His Hands clutch the table edge

The Fearsome Critters of American Mythology

More examples

I clutch the railing as the boat rocks.
She pulls her sleeve free from the toddler's clutch.
He clutched his ticket so tightly that it crumpled.
Pressing the clutch pedal disconnects engine power from the transmission.

Forms

clutch · clutches · clutched · clutching

Similar words

grip: A general firm hold, without suggesting urgency or fear.
grasp: Emphasizes taking hold, rather than maintaining a tight hold.
clasp: Often suggests enclosing something gently with hands or arms.