Clinching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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clinching

[หˆklษชnสงษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

securing victory

To clinch means to secure or settle something decisively. It often refers to achieving a victory in a competition or a final agreement in a negotiation.

Synonyms

finalize, lock-up, secure, settle.

Examples of usage

  • The team clinched the championship after a hard-fought season.
  • She clinched the deal after hours of negotiation.
  • He clinched victory in the final moments of the game.
Context #2 | Verb

grabbing tightly

Clinching can also refer to gripping or holding something tightly in oneโ€™s hand, often to prevent it from slipping away.

Synonyms

clutch, grasp, grip, hold.

Examples of usage

  • She clinched the handle of the suitcase as she hurried through the airport.
  • He clinched his fists in frustration.
  • The child clinched his toy tightly during the ride.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In boxing, clinching often refers to a tactic where fighters embrace to prevent the opponent from landing effective strikes.
  • In baseball, a team clinches a playoff spot by securing enough wins to guarantee a place, creating a celebratory moment.

Psychology

  • Clinching a deal can evoke feelings of satisfaction and relief, often linked to the closure of negotiations.
  • The act of clinching an argument can create a sense of certainty and confidence in one's position, influencing social interactions.

Cultural References

  • The term is often used in film and literature to describe moments where a character makes a pivotal decision, leading to success.
  • In popular culture, 'clinching' can refer to securing an achievement after suspenseful build-up, creating dramatic tension.

Everyday Use

  • People often use the term in discussions about negotiations, where reaching an agreement can be seen as clinching a deal.
  • In social scenarios, clinching can also refer to firmly establishing a friendship or connection.

Origin of 'clinching'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English term 'clenchen', meaning to grasp tightly.
  • Related to the Old English word 'clencan', which means to twist or bend tightly, suggesting firmness in securing something.

The word 'clinching' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the verb 'clinch' which means to grasp tightly. Its roots can be traced to Middle English 'clenche', related to Old English 'clencan', suggesting a decisive action or agreement. Historically, 'clinch' was used in various contexts, including boxing, where it denotes a method of holding an opponent in close proximity to limit their movements. Over time, 'clinching' has evolved to encompass both physical gripping and metaphorical securing of outcomes, reflecting its versatility in language and usage.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,349 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.