Definition of clasp verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

clasp

verb

/klɑːsp/

/klæsp/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they clasp	/klɑːsp/ /klæsp/
he / she / it clasps	/klɑːsps/ /klæsps/
past simple clasped	/klɑːspt/ /klæspt/
past participle clasped	/klɑːspt/ /klæspt/
-ing form clasping	/ˈklɑːspɪŋ/ /ˈklæspɪŋ/

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clasp something to hold something tightly in your hand
- He leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together.
- They clasped hands (= held each other's hands).
- I stood there, clasping the door handle.
Synonyms hold
holdhold on ▪ cling ▪ clutch ▪ grip ▪ grasp ▪ clasp ▪ hang onThese words all mean to have somebody/something in your hands or arms.
hold to have somebody/something in your hand or arms:
She was holding a large box.
I held the baby gently in my arms.
hold on (to somebody/something) to continue to hold somebody/something; to put your hand on somebody/something and not take your hand away:
Hold on and don’t let go until I say so.
cling to hold on to somebody/something tightly, especially with your whole body:
Survivors clung to pieces of floating debris.
clutch to hold somebody/something tightly, especially in your hand; to take hold of something suddenly:
She stood there, the flowers still clutched in her hand.
He felt himself slipping and clutched at a branch.
grip to hold on to something very tightly with your hand:
Grip the rope as tightly as you can.
grasp to take a strong hold of somebody/something:
He grasped my hand and shook it warmly.
The object of grasp is often somebody’s hand or wrist.clasp (formal) to hold somebody/something tightly in your hand or in your arms:
They clasped hands (= held each other’s hands).
She clasped the children in her arms.
The object of clasp is often your hands, somebody else’s hand or another person.hang on (to something) to hold on to something very tightly, especially in order to support yourself or stop yourself from falling:
Hang on tight. We’re off!
Patterns
- to hold/clutch/grip/clasp something in your hand/hands
- to hold/clutch/clasp somebody/something in your arms
- to hold/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp/hang on to something
- to hold/cling/hang on
- to hold/clutch/clasp somebody/something to you
- to hold/hold on to/cling to/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp/hang on to somebody/something tightly
- to hold/hold on to/cling to/clutch/grip/grasp/clasp somebody/something firmly
- to hold/hold on to/clutch/grip/clasp/hang on to somebody/something tight
Extra Examples
- He clasped her arm and spun her about.
- He clasped my hand warmly in welcome.
- She clasped her bag tightly as she walked through the crowd.
- She faced Will, her hands clasped together.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adverb
- firmly
- tightly
- gently
- …
See full entry
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clasp somebody/something (+ adv./prep.) to hold somebody/something tightly with your arms around them
- She clasped the children in her arms.
- He clasped her to him.
- She clasped her arms tightly around him.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adverb
- firmly
- tightly
- gently
- …
See full entry
clasp something (+ adv./prep.) to fasten something with a clasp
- She clasped the bracelet around her wrist.

Word OriginMiddle English: of unknown origin.

See clasp in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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clasp noun

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elaborate

adjective

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