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Definitions for Clutches

[1] to seize with or as with the hands or claws; snatch: The bird swooped down and clutched its prey with its claws.
[2] to grip or hold tightly or firmly: She clutched the child's hand as they crossed the street.
[3] Slang . to spellbind; grip a person's emotions, attention, or interest: Garbo movies really clutch me.
[4] to try to seize or grasp (usually followed by at ): He clutched at the fleeing child. She clutched at the opportunity.
[5] Slang . to become tense with fright; panic (sometimes followed by up ): I clutched up on the math exam.
[6] to operate the clutch in a vehicle.
[7] the hand, claw, etc., when grasping.
[8] Usually clutches. power of disposal or control; mastery: She fell into the clutches of the enemy.
[9] the act of clutching; a snatch or grasp.
[10] a tight grip or hold.
[11] a device for gripping something.
[12] Automotive , Machinery . a mechanism for readily engaging or disengaging a shaft with or from another shaft or rotating part. Compare coupling(def 2a) . a control, as a pedal, for operating this mechanism.
[13] Sports . an extremely important or crucial moment of a game: He was famous for his coolness in pitching in the clutch.
[14] any critical position or situation; emergency: She kept complete control in the clutch.
[15] Also called clutch bag, clutch purse . a woman's small purse that can be carried in the hand and usually has no handle or strap.
[16] done or accomplished in a critical situation: a clutch shot that won the basketball game.
[17] dependable in crucial situations: a clutch player.
[18] (of a coat) without fasteners; held closed in front by one's hand or arm.
[19] a hatch of eggs; the number of eggs produced or incubated at one time.
[20] a brood of chickens.
[21] a number of similar individuals: a clutch of books; a whole clutch of dancers.
[22] to hatch (chickens).
[23] (tr) to seize with or as if with hands or claws
[24] (tr) to grasp or hold firmly
[25] (intr usually foll by at ) to attempt to get hold or possession (of)
[26] a device that enables two revolving shafts to be joined or disconnected as required, esp one that transmits the drive from the engine to the gearbox in a vehicle
[27] a device for holding fast
[28] a firm grasp
[29] a hand, claw, or talon in the act of clutching in the clutches of a bear
[30] (often plural) power or control in the clutches of the Mafia
[31] Also called: clutch bag a handbag without handles
[32] a hatch of eggs laid by a particular bird or laid in a single nest
[33] a brood of chickens
[34] informal a group, bunch, or cluster
[35] (tr) to hatch (chickens)

Words related to Clutches

clutchgrip, snatch, clench, grasp, fasten, clasp, clamp, coupling, clinch, gripe, connection, grapple, link, nab, seize, harbor, keep, nail, hook, embrace

Words nearby Clutches

clutchcluster headache, cluster leg, cluster pine, cluster point, cluster variable, clutch, clutch bag, clutha, clutter, clwyd, clyde

Origin of Clutches

21715–25; variant of cletch (now dial.); akin to Scots cleck to hatch < Old Norse klekja to hatch

Other words from Clutches

clutch·ing·ly , adverb
clutch·y , adjective

Word origin for Clutches

C17 (Northern English dialect) cletch, from Old Norse klekja to hatch

Synonyms for Clutches

claws, control, custody, grasp, grip, hands, keeping, possession, sway