v.
- (with reference to one's fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger.
- hold tightly and firmly.
- (of muscles or a muscular part of the body) contract sharply.
n.
the action of clenching or the state of being clenched.
Derivative
Etymology
OE (in the sense of clinch ‘fix securely’): of Gmc origin; rel. to cling.