CLENCH

Meaning

To grip or hold fast.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English clenchen, from Old English clenċan (“to clinch; hold fast”), a variant of Old English clenġan (“to adhere; remain”), from Proto-Germanic *klangijaną, causative of *klinganą (“to stick; adhere”). Related to cling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 10 recorded puzzles:

• 2026-08-02NACDEHL
• 2026-07-06CAEHLNV
• 2026-04-12NALECHO
• 2025-06-18NPCLHEI
• 2024-12-14HANECLO
• 2024-10-19ECULONH
• 2024-04-15LANECVH
• 2024-01-03HNALECG
• 2023-05-13CANLHDE
• 2023-04-19NUCLEDH