to seize with or as with the hands or claws; snatch

The bird swooped down and clutched its prey with its claws.

to grip or hold tightly or firmly

She clutched the child's hand as they crossed the street.

Slang . to spellbind; grip a person's emotions, attention, or interest

Garbo movies really clutch me.

to try to seize or grasp (usually fol. by at )

He clutched at the fleeing child. She clutched at the opportunity.

Slang . to become tense with fright; panic (sometimes fol. by up )

I clutched up on the math exam.

to operate the clutch in a vehicle.

the hand, claw, etc., when grasping.

Usually, clutches. power of disposal or control; mastery

She fell into the clutches of the enemy.

the act of clutching; a snatch or grasp.

a tight grip or hold.

a device for gripping something.

Automotive, Machinery .

a mechanism for readily engaging or disengaging a shaft with or from another shaft or rotating part. Compare coupling ( def. 2a ) .

a control, as a pedal, for operating this mechanism.

Sports . an extremely important or crucial moment of a game

He was famous for his coolness in pitching in the clutch.

any critical position or situation; emergency

She kept complete control in the clutch.

Also called clutch bag , clutch purse. a woman's small purse that can be carried in the hand and usually has no handle or strap.

done or accomplished in a critical situation

a clutch shot that won the basketball game.

dependable in crucial situations

a clutch player.

(of a coat) without fasteners; held closed in front by one's hand or arm.

verb

let go , unfasten

noun

clamp , clasp , clench , clinch , connection , coupling , grapple , grasp , grip , gripe , link , grab , seizure , snatch , array , band , batch , bevy , body , bunch , bundle , clump , cluster , collection , knot , lot , party , set

verb

catch , cherish , clasp , clench , clinch , cling to , collar , embrace , fasten , glom , grapple , grasp , grip , harbor , hold , hook , keep , nab , nail * , put the snare on , seize , snag , snatch , take , grab , clam , claw , control , coupling , fist , gripe , retain , talon