Cling: meaning, definitions and examples

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cling

[klɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to hold on tightly

Cling means to hold on tightly to something or someone. It often conveys a sense of desperation or dependence.

Synonyms

clutch, grasp, hold on, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cling	Used when something or someone is holding on tightly, often because of fear or desire for support. This word can evoke a sense of dependency or desperation. The child clung to his mother's leg, scared of the big dog. The wet shirt clung to his body.
hold on	Used in both a literal sense of physically maintaining a grip and a metaphorical sense of enduring or waiting. Often implies perseverance or continuity. Hold on to the handrail so you don’t fall. Just hold on a little longer; help is on the way.
grasp	Implies holding something firmly, often with effort or understanding. Can also refer to mental understanding or comprehension. He grasped her hand to help her stand up. She finally grasped the main concept of the lesson.
stick	Refers to attaching to something, often with adhesive or similar properties. Can also mean adherence to rules or plans. It can have a somewhat rigid or inflexible connotation. The paper will stick to the board if you use glue. You need to stick to the schedule if we want to finish on time.
clutch	Describes holding something tightly, usually because of fear, anxiety, or a strong need to keep it. This can have a sense of urgency or stress. She clutched her purse to her chest as she walked through the crowded area. The man clutched the rope tightly to avoid falling.

Examples of usage

The child clung to his mother's hand in the crowded market.
She clung to the edge of the cliff, terrified of falling.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a strong attachment

As a noun, cling refers to a strong emotional attachment or dependency on someone or something.

Synonyms

attachment, connection, dependency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cling	Typically used when someone or something is holding on tightly or refusing to let go. Can have a negative connotation if referring to emotional dependency. The child clung to her mother's leg. He tends to cling to old habits.
attachment	Often describes a strong emotional bond or connection to someone or something. Can be neutral or positive depending on the situation. She has a strong attachment to her childhood home. His attachment to his pet is very deep.

Word

Description / Examples

cling

Typically used when someone or something is holding on tightly or refusing to let go. Can have a negative connotation if referring to emotional dependency.

The child clung to her mother's leg.
He tends to cling to old habits.

attachment

Often describes a strong emotional bond or connection to someone or something. Can be neutral or positive depending on the situation.

She has a strong attachment to her childhood home.
His attachment to his pet is very deep.

Examples of usage

Their relationship was based on a deep emotional cling that was hard to break.
He had a cling to his childhood teddy bear, refusing to part with it.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'clingan', which means 'to stick or adhere'.
It's related to similar words in other languages, like the Dutch 'klim' meaning 'to climb or stick'.
The usage of 'cling' has been recorded in English literature since at least the 14th century.

Psychology

People often cling to loved ones in times of stress, as it provides comfort and security.
There’s a psychological term called 'clinginess' which describes someone who becomes overly attached in relationships.
Clinging behavior can be a natural response to fear and uncertainty, especially during changes or challenges.

Pop Culture

Songs like 'Cling' by musician 'Femo' explore themes of love and the need to hold onto relationships.
The term 'clinger' has become popular in dating culture, often describing someone who seeks a lot of emotional connection quickly.
Various movies depict characters who cling to their dreams despite obstacles, highlighting perseverance.

Nature

Certain animals, like octopuses, can cling to rocks for safety, demonstrating their ability to adapt to their surroundings.
Vines and climbing plants often use tendrils to cling onto structures for support as they grow.
Some birds, such as tree frogs, have physical adaptations that allow them to cling to branches and surfaces.

Literature

Clinging is often a theme in literature, symbolizing dependency, love, or fear of loss in characters.
In poetry, the word can symbolize the emotional attachment one has to memories or places.
Famous stories illustrate clinging to ideas or values as a form of stubbornness or loyalty.

Translations

Translations of the word "cling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agarrar

🇮🇳 चिपकना

🇩🇪 klammern

🇮🇩 melekat

🇺🇦 чіплятися

🇵🇱 przylgnąć

🇯🇵 しがみつく

🇫🇷 s'accrocher

🇪🇸 aferrarse

🇹🇷 yapışmak

🇰🇷 달라붙다

🇸🇦 يتشبث

🇨🇿 držet se

🇸🇰 držať sa

🇨🇳 紧贴

🇸🇮 prijeti se

🇮🇸 hanga á

🇰🇿 жабысып алу

🇬🇪 მჭიდროდ ჩაჭიდება

🇦🇿 yapışmaq

🇲🇽 aferrarse

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,609, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11606 crippled
11607 partitions
11608 teens
11609 cling
11610 insolvency
11611 expend
11612 guarding
...