fist

¹

[ fist ]

noun

1. the hand closed tightly, with the fingers doubled into the palm.
2. Informal. the hand.
3. Informal. a person's handwriting.
4. Printing. index ( def 8 ).

verb (used with object)

1. to make (one's hand) into a fist.
2. to grasp in the fist.

fist

²

[ fahyst ]

noun

1. feist.

fist

/ fɪst /

noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting
2. Also calledfistful the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand
3. an informal word for hand index

verb

1. tr to hit with the fist

Word History and Origins

Origin of fist¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳst; cognate with German Faust fist; perhaps akin to five

Word History and Origins

Origin of fist¹

Old English fӯst ; related to Old Frisian fest , Old Saxon, Old High German fūst ; see five

Idioms and Phrases

see hand over fist .

Example Sentences

But he also heaped praise on President Xi Jinping as a “brilliant” leader ruling with an “iron fist”.

From BBC

After being shot, Trump punched his fist into the air and mouthed the words "fight, fight, fight", before being hauled away by Secret Service agents.

From BBC

Barely missing a beat, Trump waved his fist and shouted in defiance, “Fight, fight, fight!”

From Los Angeles Times

Flanked by Secret Service agents, the bloodied former president pumped his fist and said “fight” three times before being whisked away.

From Los Angeles Times

As he was helped to his feet by Secret Service agents, blood pouring from his ear, he raised his fist in the air and urged his supporters to fight.

From BBC

Related Words

• clenched fist
• hand
• paw