clinch

[ klinch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to settle (a matter) decisively:

   After they clinched the deal they went out to celebrate.

   Synonyms: confirm, conclude, close, secure, cinch

2. to secure (a nail, screw, etc.) in position by beating down the protruding point:

   He drove the nails through the board and clinched the points flat with a hammer.

3. to fasten (objects) together by nails, screws, etc., secured in this manner.
4. Nautical. to fasten by a clinch.

verb (used without object)

1. Boxing. to engage in a clinch:

   The boxers clinched and were separated by the referee.

2. Slang. to embrace, especially passionately.
3. (of a clinched nail, screw, etc.) to hold fast; be secure.

noun

1. the act of clinching.
2. Boxing. an act or instance of one or both boxers holding the other about the arms or body in order to prevent or hinder the opponent's punches.
3. Slang. a passionate embrace.
4. a clinched nail or fastening.
5. the bent part of a clinched nail, screw, etc.
6. a knot or bend in which a bight or eye is made by making a loop or turn in the rope and seizing the end to the standing part.
7. Archaic. a pun.

clinch

/ klɪntʃ /

verb

1. tr to secure (a driven nail) by bending the protruding point over
2. tr to hold together in such a manner

   to clinch the corners of the frame

3. tr to settle (something, such as an argument, bargain, etc) in a definite way
4. tr nautical to fasten by means of a clinch
5. intr to engage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling

noun

1. the act of clinching
2. 1. a nail with its point bent over
   2. the part of such a nail, etc, that has been bent over
3. boxing wrestling an act or an instance in which one or both competitors hold on to the other to avoid punches, regain wind, etc
4. slang.
   a lovers' embrace
5. nautical a loop or eye formed in a line by seizing the end to the standing part.

Other Words From

• clinching·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinch¹

First recorded in 1560–70; later variant of Middle English clench

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinch¹

C16: variant of clench

Example Sentences

Austin Prock will clinch the funny car crown simply by making a qualifying pass while in pro stock, Aaron Stanfield and Dallas Glenn, who both are chasing their first title, are 1-2 with five-time winner Greg Anderson just 56 points off the pace in third.

From Los Angeles Times

Defending pro stock motorcycle winner Gaige Herrera leads six-time champion Matt Smith by 123 points in that category and could clinch the title before Sunday’s eliminations.

From Los Angeles Times

Karty kicked another field goal with 39 seconds left to draw the Rams within eight points again, but the Dolphins recovered an onside kick to clinch the victory.

From Los Angeles Times

After all, they had taken the lead in five of their previous 10 league games this season and failed to clinch victory.

From BBC

After former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to clinch a second stint in the White House, he was greeted with a chorus of overzealous congratulations from the richest people in the United States.

From Slate

Related Words

• assure
• cap
• conclude
• decide
• seal