death grip

[ deth grip ]

noun

1. a very tight grip caused by fear or panic, as if facing death (often used facetiously):

   Scared out of my wits, and with a death grip on the motorbike's handlebars, I swore never again to ride on wet pavement.

   You don’t need to have such a death grip on the bat while waiting for the pitch, you know.

2. a very tight grip on someone, as to strangle or completely overpower them:

   As he knelt, the attacker took him from behind in a death grip, one hand clamped down firmly on his head, the other like a vise around his chest.

3. tyrannical or unrelenting control:

   Debt has a death grip on so many people's lives.

   These few media giants have had a death grip on the industry for the past decade.

4. Slang: Vulgar. a very tight grip on the penis when masturbating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of death grip¹

First recorded in 1730–40; 2010–15 death grip fordef 4

Example Sentences

It’s a good indicator of what a death grip partisanship has on American voters.

From Salon

“No! The baby boomer death grip continues,” Ronny Chieng said while hosting Wednesday’s “Daily Show.”

From New York Times

The boy clung to the rail with a death grip as the ship lurched violently in the storm.

From Literature

His former lieutenants continue to get ground under the bus, and as much as he screams, the long arm of the law is reaching out with a death grip for Trump’s corrupt activities.

From Salon

When we as parents release our death grip on money and privilege, we find a community ready to take our hands and great teachers who are giving their all.

From Seattle Times