clamp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklamp 

1

: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly

2

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp

2 of 2

verb

clamped; clamping; clamps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

clamp two boards together

2

a

: to place by decree : impose

—often used with on

clamped on a curfew after the riots

b

: to hold tightly

Synonyms

Verb

• anchor
• catch
• fasten
• fix
• hitch
• moor
• secure
• set

Examples of clamp in a Sentence

Verb

The surgeon clamped the vein.

He clamped the two pieces of wood together.

The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.

He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sherri alleged that the women held her hostage and chained in a bedroom for weeks until one of the women released her with a chain around her waist, a zip tie on her wrist and hose clamps around her ankles. —Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024

Kevin Purdy Step 2: Loosen the clamp and fold the front half back to align with the rear wheel, lining up a little hook on the wheel with the frame. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 7 June 2024

Verb

Standard brakes are carbon-ceramic, with 16.5-inch rotors up front and 15.4-inch units at the rear, clamped by six-piston calipers with high-performance brake pads. —Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 19 June 2024

The Sixers clamped the Knicks without their MVP center Joel Embiid (meniscus). —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch *klampe; akin to Old English clamm bond, fetter — more at clam

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clamp

• C-clamp
• clamp down
• clamp down on
• clamp on
• wheel clamp

Kids Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

clamp

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp

Medical Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

especially : an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts

an arterial clamp

clamp

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

the descending thoracic aorta was clamped

—W. A. Banks et al.