clinch

Meanings

• (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
• a small slip noose made with seizing
• the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
• a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
• a tight or amorous embrace
• secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
  • "The girder was clinched into the wall"
• hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches
• hold in a tight grasp
• embrace amorously
• flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
  • "the nails were clinched"
• settle conclusively
  • "clinch a deal"

Synonyms

clamp, clench, hug, squeeze