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

When the nut began to tighten, I adjusted the bracket so the bolt holes for the motor lined up in a way that the bolts could go through and allow the mounting clasps to fit tightly around the frame.

From Popular-Science

Whoop sells custom tracker bands with a fairly wide range of loop and clasp color options to choose from.

From Popular-Science

I shifted on the couch next to Kim and in my peripheral saw her hands move into her lap and clasp.

From MIT Technology Review

While binder-style clasps add weight and bulk to a planner, they allow you to rearrange pages to suit your needs and are often compatible with customized inserts, like templates designed for project management or specific productivity methods.

From Popular-Science

The watch crown and clasp have engraved "M" logos, just like Mario's cap.

From Ars Technica

Normally of good balance, I found myself reaching for the handrail, unable to clasp it for the refreshments in my hands.

From The Daily Beast

On the pink cotton inside lay a clasp of black onyx, on which was inlaid a curious symbol or letter in gold.

From The Daily Beast

That metal clasp has DNA attributed to Sollecito (in multiple tests), which should have sealed the conviction.

From The Daily Beast

When her bra was cut from her body, the assassin or assassins also cut off the tab on which the tiny metal clasp was affixed.

From The Daily Beast

The tiny metal clasp had traces of DNA attributed to Sollecito.

From The Daily Beast

She climbed the winding stairs that led to her mother's room, and she paused to clasp her beating heart with both her hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Felix would be troubled and angry she knew, 138 even at this clasp of an old friends hand.

From Project Gutenberg

And the two understood each other better by that silent, hearty hand-clasp than they could have done with any number of words.

From Project Gutenberg

She glanced downwards with averted head, awaiting some outcry of gladness, surrendering herself to the quick clasp of strong arms.

From Project Gutenberg

When she did wrong, she would kneel and clasp her hands, seeming earnestly to ask to be forgiven.

From Project Gutenberg