clamp·down
ˈklamp-ˌdau̇n 
: the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent
a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences—
Time
Time
clamped down; clamping down; clamps down
: to impose restrictions : crack down
the police are clamping down on speeders
Examples of clampdown in a Sentence
Verb
the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Assad's violent clampdown on the peaceful protests triggered Syria's 13-year civil war.
—Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024
Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Moore also backed the U.S. President’s motivations for potential tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China in what the administration has described as a bid to clamp down on imports of fentanyl and heroin drugs.
—Shafi Musaddique, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clampdown
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Noun
While the order has been temporarily halted by a U.S. district judge until early February, many have been wondering whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are included in the wide-ranging clampdown on federal spending.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Assad's violent clampdown on the peaceful protests triggered Syria's 13-year civil war.
—Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
In an effort to clamp down on federal financial waste, a new bill aims to address the issue of billions in improper payments by federal agencies.
—Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Moore also backed the U.S. President’s motivations for potential tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China in what the administration has described as a bid to clamp down on imports of fentanyl and heroin drugs.
—Shafi Musaddique, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clampdown
Cite this Entry
“Clampdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clampdown. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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