
Clench
Strong Emotion
Use 'clench' to describe a physical response to intense feelings like anger or determination.

During the debate, she clenched her fists to stay composed.
Physical Tension
'Clench' often implies a body part is tense and tight, not relaxed.

He clenched his muscles, readying for the sprint.
Controlled Action
Clenching is usually a deliberate action, not something done by accident.

She clenched the rope tightly to keep from falling.
Compare with
ClampClaspClinchCompressGraspGripHoldSqueeze
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