Clamp down
verb
To start to control someone or something much more strictly.
The library has clamped down on people who lose books.
Often appears as...
- clamp down on crime
- clamp down on violations
verb
To take strict action to prevent or control a certain behavior.
The government is clamping down on tax evasion.
Often appears as...
- clamp down on smuggling
- clamp down on illegal activities
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To start to control someone or something much more strictly.
The library has clamped down on people who lose books.
Often appears as...
- clamp down on crime
- clamp down on violations
verb
To take strict action to prevent or control a certain behavior.
The government is clamping down on tax evasion.
Often appears as...
- clamp down on smuggling
- clamp down on illegal activities
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Enforcement
Clamp down implies enforcing existing rules more strictly than before.
When cheating was discovered, the school clamped down on exam supervision.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Action
It usually refers to a sudden or recent increase in enforcement or control.
After the protests, authorities clamped down on public gatherings.
Pro Tip 3/3Tight Control
The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting harsh or tight control.
The company clamped down on personal phone use, angering employees.
Pro Tip 1/3Enforcement
Clamp down implies enforcing existing rules more strictly than before.
When cheating was discovered, the school clamped down on exam supervision.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Action
It usually refers to a sudden or recent increase in enforcement or control.
After the protests, authorities clamped down on public gatherings.
Pro Tip 3/3Tight Control
The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting harsh or tight control.
The company clamped down on personal phone use, angering employees.
Pro Tip 1/3Enforcement
Clamp down implies enforcing existing rules more strictly than before.
When cheating was discovered, the school clamped down on exam supervision.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Action
It usually refers to a sudden or recent increase in enforcement or control.
After the protests, authorities clamped down on public gatherings.
Pro Tip 3/3Tight Control
The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting harsh or tight control.
The company clamped down on personal phone use, angering employees.
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