Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense clamps, present participle clamping, past tense, past participle clamped
1. countable noun
A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.
2. verb
When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp.
Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole. [VERB noun + to]
Synonyms: fasten, fix, secure, clinch More Synonyms of clamp
3. verb
To clamp something in a particular place means to put it or hold it there firmly and tightly.
Simon finished dialing and clamped the phone to his ear. [VERB noun preposition]
He clamped his lips together. [V n + together]
You beg him to try just one spoonful, and he clamps his mouth shut. [VERB noun adjective]
Peter jumped to his feet with his hand clamped to his neck. [VERB-ed]
4. countable noun
A clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally-parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the clamp removed.
[British]regional note: in AM, use Denver boot
5. verb
To clamp a car means to fit a clamp to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away.
[British]
Courts in Scotland have ruled it illegal to clamp a car parked on private groundand then to demand a fine. [VERB noun]
regional note: in AM, use boot
clampinguncountable noun
The AA called for laws to regulate clamping firms.
clamperWord forms: plural clamperscountable noun
Private clampers demanded £57 to release her van.
Phrasal verbs:
See clamp down
More Synonyms of clamp
clamp in British English1
(klæmp)
noun
1.
a mechanical device with movable jaws with which an object can be secured to a bench or with which two objects may be secured together
2. See also wheel clamp
3.
a means by which a fixed joint may be strengthened
4. nautical
a horizontal beam fastened to the ribs for supporting the deck beams in a wooden vessel
verb(transitive)
5.
to fix or fasten with or as if with a clamp
6.
to immobilize (a car) by means of a wheel clamp
7.
to inflict or impose forcefully
they clamped a curfew on the town
Word origin
C14: from Dutch or Low German klamp; related to Old English clamm bond, fetter, Old Norse kleppr lump
clamp in British English2
(klæmp) British agriculture
noun
1.
a mound formed out of a harvested root crop, covered with straw and earth to protect it from winter weather
2.
a pile of bricks ready for processing in a furnace
verb
3. (transitive)
to enclose (a harvested root crop) in a mound
Word origin
C16: from Middle Dutch klamp heap; related to clump
clamp in American English1
(klæmp)
noun
1.
any of various devices for clasping or fastening things together, or for bracing parts; esp., an appliance with two parts that can be brought together, usually by a screw, to grip something
verb transitive
2.
to grip, fasten, or brace with or as with a clamp
3. US
to put in effect forcefully; impose
to clamp a curfew on the town
Idioms:
clamp down (on)
Word origin
ME < MDu klampe: for IE base see climb
clamp in American English2
(klæmp)
noun
1.
the sound of heavy footsteps
verb intransitive
2.
to tread heavily
Word origin
var. of clump
Examples of 'clamp' in a sentence
clamp
Claiming that wheel clamping is primarily a deterrent is laughable.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The firm encourages staff to clamp as many cars as possible by offering financial rewards.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Then she clamped her teeth hard on my nose.
The Sun (2016)
He clamped his mouth on the middle of the stick and they took off.
Christianity Today (2000)
Maggie darted to them and in a quick movement peeled off the hand clamped on his arm.
Tracy Chevalier Burning Bright (2007)
Her head was strapped into a mask that was clamped tightly in place on the bed.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Some councils have experimented with clamping foreign vehicles to force them to pay.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The cars were clamped and fined for failing to display the permits.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Why he usually grabs the mic with a hat firmly clamped onto his head.
The Sun (2010)
Cars were often clamped and towed minutes after being parked.
The Sun (2010)
The courts need to clamp down harder.
The Sun (2012)
Feeding mashed carrot into a mouth clamped shut like a bulldog clip.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was the moment he clamped his left hand firmly over his mouth.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It turned out they were clamping the vehicle for being improperly parked.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The widespread concerns have prompted the Government to clamp down on spending.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
THE boss of a wheel clamping firm has been forced to flee his home following death threats.
The Sun (2010)
A large chrome clamp holds the bike in its riding position, ensuring a quick fold.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You can lock your phone in place with a clamp that folds into the controller when not being used, making it easier to play.
The Sun (2013)
She said: 'You just have to get your bodies clamped together and go for it.
The Sun (2013)
As such, the broker thinks there is a risk that the Government may clamp down on profits.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
BUNGLING doctors left a 6½ inch metal surgical clamp inside a woman's stomach for ten months.
The Sun (2011)
Word lists with
clamp
Medical and surgical instruments and equipment
In other languages
clamp
British English: clamp NOUN
A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.
Many openers have a magnet or set of clamps to grip the open lid.
American English: clamp
Brazilian Portuguese: grampo
Chinese: 夹具
European Spanish: abrazadera
French: crampon
German: Klemme
Italian: morsa
Japanese: 留め金
Korean: 죔쇠
European Portuguese: braçadeira
Latin American Spanish: abrazadera
British English: clamp VERB
When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp.
Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.
American English: clamp
Brazilian Portuguese: prender
Chinese: 夹住
European Spanish: fijar con abrazaderas
French: fixer
German: klemmen
Italian: stringere con una morsa
Japanese: 留め金で固定する
Korean: 죔쇠
European Portuguese: prender com braçadeira
Latin American Spanish: fijar con abrazaderas
All related terms of 'clamp'
C-clamp
a general-purpose clamp shaped like the letter C
clamp down
To clamp down on people or activities means to take strong official action to stop or control them.
jumar clamp
a clamp with a handle that can move freely up a rope on which it is clipped but locks when downward pressure is applied
mast clamp
a pierced slab of hardwood built into the deck structure of a small ship or boat to receive the force of the mast , which is fitted tightly through it
wheel clamp
A wheel clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away . The motorist has to pay to have the clamp removed.
clamp down (on)
to become more strict (with)
clampdown
A clampdown is a sudden restriction on a particular activity by a government or other authority.
alligator clip
a spring-loaded fastening device having jaws with a sawlike edge that resemble those of an alligator , used as to make a temporary electrical connection
jumar
a clamp with a handle that can move freely up a rope on which it is clipped but locks when downward pressure is applied