clasp

[ klasp, klahsp ]

noun

1. a device, usually of metal, for fastening together two or more things or parts of the same thing:

   a clasp for paper money; a clasp on a necklace.

   Synonyms: catch, hook, clip, pin, brooch

2. a firm grasp or grip:

   a clasp of hands.

3. a tight embrace:

   She held the child in a loving clasp.

   Synonyms: hug

4. a small bar or metal design, as a star, for affixing to the ribbon of a military decoration to indicate that the bearer has been awarded the decoration an additional time.

verb (used with object)

, clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt]; clasping.

1. to fasten with or as with a clasp.
2. to furnish with a clasp.
3. to seize, grasp, or grip with the hand:

   She clasped the club in her hand.

4. to hold in a tight embrace; hug:

   He clasped the child to him.

verb (used without object)

, clasped or (Archaic) claspt [klaspt, klahspt]; clasping.

1. to embrace or hug:

   The lovers clasped.

clasp

/ klɑːsp /

noun

1. a fastening, such as a catch or hook, used for holding things together
2. a firm grasp, hold, or embrace
3. military a bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to indicate either a second award or the battle, campaign, or reason for its award

verb

1. to hold in a firm grasp
2. to grasp firmly with the hand
3. to fasten together with or as if with a clasp

Derived Forms

• ˈclasper, noun

Other Words From

• inter·clasp verb (used with object)
• re·clasp verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of clasp¹

1275–1325; Middle English clasp (noun), claspen (v.), perhaps blend of clippen clip ² and haspe hasp

Word History and Origins

Origin of clasp¹

C14: of uncertain origin; compare Old English clyppan to embrace

Example Sentences

She turns three times, clasps her hands, closes her eyes and looks toward the sky.

From BBC

In one, she clasps her hands — one diamond-laden, of course — to her mouth in astonishment.

From Los Angeles Times

As we watch Emilia clasping on her bra, readying to leave the hospital once and for all, she’s trying out her new name for size.

From Los Angeles Times

“Conclave” had a religious supervisor on set, who taught them the proper way to clasp their hands in prayer and cross themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Listening intently, with his hands clasped and a smile on his face, the three-time Republican presidential nominee approvingly replied: "Yeah."

From BBC