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 Word Forms

• clinchingly 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

Raleigh’s two home runs Wednesday helped the Mariners defeat the Rockies 9-2 and clinch the American League West Division title for the first time since 2001.

From Los Angeles Times

With an 8-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at Chase Field, the Dodgers clinched their 12th division title in the last 13 years.

From Los Angeles Times

It took longer than expected, but the Dodgers clinched another National League West division title Thursday with their win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to Raleigh’s personal achievements Wednesday night, the Mariners clinched their first AL West title since 2001.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 5-4 extra-innings win over the Arizona Diamondbacks that lowered their magic number to clinch the National League West to one, the Dodgers again squandered a late-game lead when their traditional relievers faltered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assure 
• cap 
• conclude 
• decide 
• seal