English Explanatory Dictionary

clasp

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together, such as a fastener or a holder.
  2. A bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to either indicate an additional award of the medal, or the action or service for which it was awarded.
  3. An embrace, a grasp, or handshake.
verb
  1. To take hold of; to grasp.
  2. To shut or fasten together with, or as if with, a clasp.
  3. To cling.

Pronunciation

/klæsp/ /klɑːsp/ /klasp/ en-us-clasp.ogg

Word forms

clasp clasps clasping clasped

Etymology

Noun dated ca. 1300 and verb dated ca. 1400; from Middle English claspe (“metal catch or hook used to hold things together”), possible metathesis of clapse, which comes from or related to Old English clyppan (“clasp”) (also see clip (verb)). Related to English enclasp (“embrace, hold tightly in one's arms”). Compare hasp, of very similar meaning but older known provenance.

Synonyms

beclasp grasp grip join put together begrip attach

Related words

enclasp

Derived words

clasp brake claspin clasp-knife claspless clasp lock clasp locker handclasp tie clasp clasper reclasp stem-clasping unclasp
This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.
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