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

“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

They spontaneously clasp hands through the concluding chorus, smiling blissfully at their harmony.

From Salon

Cynthia puts her hands out to clasp mine and then enfolds me in her arms.

From BBC

Biles completed the vault — which requires her to clasp her hands to her knees while she flips backward twice — with coach Laurent Landi watching from the side.

From Seattle Times

At times, when words seemed insufficient, Grey reached out to clasp Redmayne’s hand.

From New York Times