clutch
Third Person
clutches
Present Participle
clutching
Past Tense
clutched
Past Participle
clutched
1
to seize or grab suddenly and firmly
transitive
- He clutched the steering wheel tightly as he navigated through the winding mountain road.
- Startled by the sudden noise, he clutched his chest in surprise.
- Trying to prevent the papers from scattering, she clutched them tightly in her hands.
- The child clutched the teddy bear tightly as they walked through the dark hallway.
- The detective instinctively clutched the flashlight when they heard an unexpected sound.
2
to try to secure or retain a hold on an object
transitive
- The hiker clutched at the rope, trying to steady himself as he descended the steep slope.
- She clutched at the railing as the ship rocked back and forth on the turbulent waves.
- The child clutched at the string of balloons, reluctant to let them drift away into the sky.
- The drowning swimmer clutched at the lifeguard's outstretched hand, desperate for rescue.
- In the crowded subway, commuters clutched at the handrails for support as the train lurched forward.
Synonyms:
3
to seize or grasp something intangible, such as an opportunity, a concept, or a moment
transitive
- The ambitious student clutched the scholarship opportunity tightly.
- The politician clutched the chance to address the crowd, seeing it as an opportunity to sway public opinion.
- The artist clutched the inspiration for her next masterpiece, eager to translate her vision onto the canvas.
- The leader clutched the moment of crisis, using it as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and resolve.
- The inventor clutched the breakthrough invention, realizing its potential to revolutionize industry.
Synonyms: