WordWeb Online

1. Secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
   "The girder was clinched into the wall"
    
2. Hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches
    
3. Hold in a tight grasp
   "clinch a steering wheel";
   - clench
    
4. Embrace amorously
    
5. Flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
   "the nails were clinched"
    
6. Settle conclusively
   "clinch a deal"

1. (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
    
2. A small slip noose made with seizing
   - clench
    
3. The flattened part of a nail, bolt or rivet
    
4. A device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
   - clamp
    
5. A tight or amorous embrace
   - hug, squeeze

Derived forms: clinching, clinches, clinched

Type of: bosom, clutch, determine, embrace, embracement, embracing, evasive action, fasten, fastener, fastening, fix, fixing, hold, holdfast, holding device, hug, maneuver [US], manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn], noose, prehend [archaic], running noose, secure, seize, settle, slip noose, square off, square up, squeeze, take hold

Part of: bolt, nail, rivet

Encyclopedia: Clinch, Patrick