clasp
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.
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.
to close something by using its clasp
To fasten something, such as clothing, jewelry, or a bag, by closing its clasp.
a firm, tight hold on something or someone
The act or manner of holding something or someone tightly, especially with the hand or arms.
- Base: clasp
- Plural: clasps
- Base: clasp
- 3rd Person Singular: clasps
- Present Participle: clasping
- Past: clasped
clasp one’s hands
1join and hold your own hands
to hold your own hands together, usually by locking your fingers, often when you pray, wait, or feel worried.
- 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
1hold someone close to your bosom
to hold someone very close to your chest in a loving way; used mostly in written or literary English.
- 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
1hold 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.
- 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.