to clasp

Examples

• All

• So if everyone could take your hands and clasp them together.

  Stanford

• Clasp your hands together in the inverted prayer, like this.

  Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)

• Look, I can almost clasp it with one hand.

  The Luzhin Defence (2000)

• I want everyone to clasp hands.

  Heathers (1988)

• You will please clasp your hands together at the back of your neck.

  The Maltese Falcon (1941)

• Clasp your hands together like this.

  The Hypnotic Eye (1960)

• Clasp your hands behind your heads.

  Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984)

• Clasp your hands over your head and come outside quietly.

  Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

• John, would you mind clasping your hands, please?

  The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)

• Please clasp your hands together in front of you during the meditation.

Synonyms

H

to hang

vsto clasp

487 2.7

To hold on tightly so you do not let go

is a neutral tight grasp without the prolonged tenacious connotation

H

to hold someone's hand

vsto clasp

• Informal

313 2.8

To comfort and guide someone who feels anxious or unsure

is the simple tight arm or hand grip, not mainly about support

C

to cling

vsto clasp

230 2.1

To hold on tightly to someone or something and not let go

is a general tight grip without the strong emotional sticking

H

to hold onto

vsto clasp

196 3.0

To keep something and not let it go

is the general physical grasp rather than the sense of keeping possession

H

to hold on

vsto clasp

145 2.0

To keep a strong grip on something so it does not fall

is a general tight arm or hand action not only about staying attached

H

to hold tight

vsto clasp

• Informal

127 2.2

Grab something firmly with your hands to stay safe

is a general tight grip without stressing safety or support

C

to clutch

vsto clasp

115 3.4

To hold something tightly with the hands or because of strong feeling

is the same tight seizing but without the emotional emphasis

E

to embrace

vsto clasp

95 2.8

To hold someone tightly to show affection

is the general tight arm action without the clear emotional focus

C

to cling to

vsto clasp

53 3.4

To hold tightly to someone or something because of fear, need, affection

is the basic tight arm or hand action without emotional motive

C

to clench

vsto clasp

46 3.5

To squeeze something tightly with your hands or teeth

is a coordinated arm or hand action rather than a general muscle tightening

H

to hold close

vsto clasp

38 1.4

Keep a person or thing tightly against your body

is the neutral basic term for the same tight arm or hand grip

W

to wrap arms around

vsto clasp

25 2.8

To put your arms around someone or something to show love and protect them

is the neutral tight arm action without implying protection or affection

L

to latch on

vsto clasp

14 3.8

To hold on to something so it stays attached

is a direct tight grasp by hands or arms rather than a lasting attachment

S

to squeeze

vsto clasp

6 1.0

To hold someone tightly in your arms to show affection

is the neutral tight grasp without necessarily showing affection

C

to clinch

vsto clasp

4 4.8

To hold someone tightly, for example in a fight or a hug

is the neutral tight grasp used outside sports or fighting situations

Antonyms

R

to release

∞ 1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

L

to loosen

185 1.0

Make something less tight so it can move or open

U

to unclasp

2 5.6

To open something held closed by a small metal catch or let go of something you were holding

Compounds

C

clasp knife

• Archaic

1 6.4

A large folding knife with blades that fold into the handle

How Tightly

to clench

46 3.5

to squeeze

369 1.6

to clasp

39 2.6

to hold

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology