| noun | (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily |
| noun | a small slip noose made with seizing |
| noun | the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet |
| noun | a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together |
| noun | a tight or amorous embrace “come here and give me a big hug” |
| verb | secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts “The girder was clinched into the wall” |
| verb | hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches |
| verb | hold in a tight grasp “clench a steering wheel” |
| verb | embrace amorously |
| verb | flatten the ends (of nails and rivets) “the nails were clinched” |
| verb | settle conclusively “clinch a deal” |
| clinch | verb | secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts |
| clamp | verb | fasten or fix with a clamp |
| hug | verb | squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness |
| clinch | noun | a small slip noose made with seizing |
| clench | noun | the act of grasping |
| clincher | noun | a point or fact or remark that settles something conclusively |