clasp
gb/klˈæsp/ us/klˈæsp/
B2
English
~ 7600
szorosan fog, magához szorít, kapocs, bekapcsol, szorítás
VERB
B2
1
szorosan fog
A2
Usage pattern:
to clasp [something/someone] (in [one's] hand/arms)
She clasped her daughter tightly and refused to let go.
Szorosan magához szorította a lányát, és nem volt hajlandó elengedni.
He clasped the letter in his hand, afraid it might blow away.
A levelet szorosan fogta a kezében, mert félt, hogy elfújja a szél.
The old man clasped her hands in gratitude.
Maria clasped the baby to her chest to keep him warm.
They stood in silence, their hands clasped together.
Learner examples
The child clasped his mother’s hand.
A gyerek szorosan fogta az anyja kezét.
I clasped the bag so it would not fall.
Szorosan fogtam a táskát, hogy ne essen le.
She clasped the baby in her arms.
He clasped the book to his chest.
They clasped their hands and prayed.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "clasp" with "clap". "Clasp" means to hold something, while "clap" means to hit your hands together to make a sound. They also sometimes use "grasp" in emotional contexts where "clasp" ("clasp her to his chest") is more natural in written English.
Meaning
hold something or someone tightly
Collocations
clasp [someone] to his chest
|clasp her hand
|clasp tightly
|clasp in his arms
|clasped together
|clasped in her hands
Synonyms
grip ("Grip" is more common and focuses on strength of holding, while "clasp" often sounds slightly more careful, gentle, or emotional.)
Antonyms
release (To "release" something or someone is to let it go or stop holding it, which is the opposite of clasping it.)
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to hold something or someone tight in your hand or arms
To hold something or someone firmly and closely, usually with the hand or arms.
NOUN
B2
2
kapocs
B1
Usage pattern:
a clasp on [something]
The clasp on my bracelet broke, so I can't wear it.
Eltört a karkötőm kapcsa, ezért nem tudom hordani.
She struggled with the tiny clasp at the back of her necklace.
Küszködött a nyaklánca hátulján lévő apró kapoccsal.
Make sure the clasp on your bag is closed when you travel.
The wallet has a metal clasp that snaps shut.
He fixed the clasp on her dress with a small pair of pliers.
Learner examples
The clasp on my bag is broken.
Eltört a táskám kapcsa.
She cannot open the clasp of her necklace.
Nem tudja kinyitni a nyaklánca kapcsát.
Please close the clasp so the bracelet does not fall off.
This purse has a strong metal clasp.
He checked the clasp on his watch.
Common mistake:
Learners may call every kind of closure a "zip" or "button". A "clasp" is usually a small part you hook or snap together, especially on jewelry, bras, belts, or bags, not a zipper or a button.
Meaning
fastening device on clothes or jewelry
Collocations
bra clasp
|belt clasp
|necklace clasp
|bag clasp
|broken clasp
|snap the clasp shut
Synonyms
fastener ("Fastener" is a broader, more technical word for any thing that closes or holds parts together; "clasp" usually refers to small, often decorative fasteners on clothes, bags, or jewelry.)
Antonyms
opening (A "clasp" closes an item, while an "opening" is the part through which you put things in or through, emphasizing the opposite idea of being closed or fastened.)
Themes
daily life
|clothing
|objects
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
a small metal or plastic part that you use to close and open something, like a necklace, bra, or bag
A small device, often made of metal or plastic, that is used to fasten and unfasten two parts of something such as clothing, jewelry, or a bag.
VERB
B2
3
bekapcsol
A2
Usage pattern:
to clasp [something] (shut/closed)
She clasped the bracelet around her wrist before leaving.
Indulás előtt bekapcsolta a karkötőjét a csuklóján.
He clasped the necklace behind her neck.
Hátul, a nyakánál bekapcsolta neki a nyakláncot.
Make sure you clasp the bag shut so nothing falls out.
The nurse clasped the ID band on the patient’s arm.
She clasped her purse and set it on the chair.
Learner examples
She clasped her necklace before the party.
A parti előtt bekapcsolta a nyakláncát.
Please clasp the bag so your phone is safe.
Kérlek, kapcsold be a táskád kapcsát, hogy biztonságban legyen benne a telefonod.
He clasped the watch on his wrist.
I cannot clasp this bracelet by myself.
She clasped the chain behind her neck.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "close the clasp" instead of the more natural verb "clasp" ("She clasped her necklace" rather than "She closed the clasp of her necklace"). Both are correct, but native speakers commonly use "clasp" as the verb here.
Meaning
fasten using a clasp device
Collocations
clasp the bracelet
|clasp her necklace
|clasp the bag shut
|clasp his watch
|clasp the chain
|clasp it behind her neck
Synonyms
fasten ("Fasten" is more general and common; "clasp" specifically describes fastening with a clasp mechanism, often on personal items like jewelry and clothing.)
Antonyms
unclasp ("Unclasp" is the direct opposite: it means to open or undo a clasp that has been closed.)
Themes
daily life
|clothing
|objects
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to close something by using its clasp
To fasten something, such as clothing, jewelry, or a bag, by closing its clasp.
NOUN
C1
4
szorítás
B1
Usage pattern:
in the clasp of [someone/something]
He felt the reassuring clasp of her hand on his arm.
Érezte a nő kezének megnyugtató szorítását a karján.
The child tried to pull free from his mother’s clasp.
A gyerek megpróbált kiszabadulni az anyja szorításából.
With one last clasp, they said goodbye at the station.
Her clasp on the railing tightened as the boat rocked.
His friendly clasp of my shoulder made me relax.
Learner examples
Her clasp on my hand was very strong.
Nagyon erős volt a szorítása a kezemen.
The boy pulled away from his father’s clasp.
A fiú kirántotta magát az apja szorításából.
I felt safe in his clasp.
She gave my hand a quick clasp and smiled.
He loosened his clasp so the dog could run.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that "clasp" can be a noun meaning "a firm hold" and use only "grip" or "hold". Also, they sometimes say "strong clasp" where "firm clasp" or "tight clasp" sounds more natural.
Meaning
a firm, tight hold
Collocations
a firm clasp
|a gentle clasp
|in his clasp
|escape her clasp
|loosen his clasp
|a reassuring clasp of the hand
Synonyms
grip ("Grip" is more common and slightly more physical; "clasp" can sound more careful or emotional, especially in expressions like "a warm clasp of the hand.")
Antonyms
release (A "clasp" is a holding action, while a "release" is the act of letting go of that hold.)
Themes
emotions
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
a firm, tight hold on something or someone
The act or manner of holding something or someone tightly, especially with the hand or arms.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clasp
IPA
GB/klˈæsp/
US/klˈæsp/
Syllables & stress
clasp (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (clasp)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: clasp
- Plural: clasps
Verb
- Base: clasp
- 3rd Person Singular: clasps
- Present Participle: clasping
- Past: clasped
Word family
Forms
clasps
noun
clasping
verb
clasped
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unclasp
verb
Expressions
clasp one’s hands
1/klˈæsp wˈʌnz hˈændz/
fixed phrase
join and hold your own hands
to hold your own hands together, usually by locking your fingers, often when you pray, wait, or feel worried.
Examples
- She sat quietly, clasping her hands in her lap.
- He clasped his hands and bowed his head in prayer.
- The child clasped his hands behind his back and listened.
clasp someone to one’s bosom
1/klˈæsp sˈʌmwˌʌn tə wˈʌnz bˈʊzəm/
fixed phrase
literary
hold someone close to your bosom
to hold someone very close to your chest in a loving way; used mostly in written or literary English.
Examples
- In the story, the mother clasped the lost child to her bosom.
- He clasped his friend to his bosom in a joyful embrace.
clasp someone to one’s chest
1/klˈæsp sˈʌmwˌʌn tə wˈʌnz t͡ʃˈɛst/
fixed phrase
hold someone tightly against your chest
to hold a person very close to the front of your body with your arms, usually to show love, care, or comfort.
Examples
- She clasped the child to her chest when she saw he was safe.
- He clasped her to his chest and whispered that everything would be alright.
- The mother clasped the baby to her chest to keep him warm.