clinch

noun

  1. 1

    (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily

  2. 2

    a tight or amorous embrace

    come here and give me a big hug

  3. 3

    a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together

  4. 4

    the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet

  5. 5

    a small slip noose made with seizing

verb

  1. 1

    settle conclusively

    clinch a deal

  2. 2

    flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)

    the nails were clinched

  3. 3

    secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts

    The girder was clinched into the wall

  4. 4

    embrace amorously

  5. 5

    hold in a tight grasp

    clench a steering wheel

  6. 6

    hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches

Synonyms

Also useful for “clinch”:Unscrambler