WordWeb Online

1. Closed or squeezed together tightly
   "his clinched teeth";
   - clenched

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"

See also: tight

Type of: bosom, clutch, determine, embrace, fasten, fix, hold, hug, prehend [archaic], secure, seize, settle, square off, square up, squeeze, take hold

Encyclopedia: Clinch, Patrick