clamp [clampclampsclampedclamping] verb, noun BrE [klæmp] NAmE [klæmp] verb 1. transitive to hold sth tightly, or fasten two things together, with a ↑clamp •~ A to B Clamp one end of the plank to the edge of the table. •~ A and B (together) Clamp the two halves together until the glue dries. 2. transitive, intransitive to hold or fasten sth very tightly so that it does not move; to be held tightly •~ sth + adv./prep. He had a cigar clamped between his teeth. •She clamped a pair of headphones over her ears. •I clamped a hand on his shoulder. •A mobile phone was clamped to her ear. •+ adv./prep. Her lips clamped tightly together. •~ (sth) + adj. He clamped his mouth shut. 3. transitive, often passive ~ sth/sb (BrE)to fix a ↑clamp to a car's wheel so that the car cannot be driven away •Her car had been clamped. •She'd been (= her car had been) clamped. Verb forms:
Word Origin: Middle English: probably of Dutch or Low German origin and related to ↑clam.
Example Bank: •A large hand clamped over her mouth. •Clamp the pieces of wood together while the glue sets. •He clamped his hand firmly onto Jack's shoulder. •He had a large cigar clamped between his teeth. •His mouth clamped shut. •Parts are clamped in place with a special machine. •She clamped her arms around him. •The dog's jaws were clamped to his leg. •to clamp down hard on bullying Derived: ↑clamp down▪ ↑clamp something on somebody
noun 1. a tool for holding things tightly together, usually by means of a screw 2. (alsoˈwheel clamp) (both BrE) (US ˌDenver ˈboot, boot)a device that is attached to the wheel of a car that has been parked illegally, so that it cannot be driven away
Word Origin: Middle English: probably of Dutch or Low German origin and related to ↑clam.
