Definitions

1. noun

a group of gears in a vehicle’s transmission that are engaged to provide power to the wheels when the vehicle is stationary and unable to move on its own

“She had to use the clutch to get the car moving from the stop sign.”

2. noun

a group of fingers or other objects that are held together to catch or grasp something

“He used the clutch of his fingers to catch the ball in mid-air.”

3. noun

a situation in which a person must perform a difficult task under pressure

“He was put in a clutch situation where he had to close the deal in one hour.”

4. verb

to catch or grasp something with the fingers or other objects

“She clutched the rope to prevent herself from falling.”

5. verb

to hold something tightly in one’s hands

“He clutched his coat tightly around him as he walked in the cold.”

6. verb

to seize or capture something

“The police clutched the suspect and took him into custody.”