1. (

• clench ,
• clinch ,

) hold in a tight grasp; "clench a steering wheel" ;

2. (

• clench ,

) squeeze together tightly; "clench one's jaw" ;

1. (

• clenched ,
• clinched

) closed or squeezed together tightly; "a clenched fist"; "his clenched (or clinched) teeth" ;