Noun

• S: (n) clinch ((boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily)
• S: (n) clinch, clench (a small slip noose made with seizing)
• S: (n) clinch (the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet)
• S: (n) clamp, clinch (a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together)
• S: (n) hug, clinch, squeeze (a tight or amorous embrace) "come here and give me a big hug"

Verb

• S: (v) clinch (secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts) "The girder was clinched into the wall"
• S: (v) clinch (hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches)
• S: (v) clench, clinch (hold in a tight grasp) "clench a steering wheel"
• S: (v) clinch (embrace amorously)
• direct hypernym / inherited hypernym / sister term
• S: (v) embrace, hug, bosom, squeeze (hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness) "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her close to him"
• sentence frame
• Somebody ----s
• S: (v) clinch (flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)) "the nails were clinched"
• verb group
• direct hypernym / inherited hypernym / sister term
• S: (v) fasten, fix, secure (cause to be firmly attached) "fasten the lock onto the door"; "she fixed her gaze on the man"
• S: (v) attach (cause to be attached)
• S: (v) connect, link, tie, link up (connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces) "Can you connect the two loudspeakers?"; "Tie the ropes together"; "Link arms"
• sentence frame
• S: (v) clinch (settle conclusively) "clinch a deal"