# clinch

> English word · Verb · IPA /klɪnt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #19,789

## Definitions
1. To bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed.
2. To clasp; to interlock.
3. To fasten securely or permanently.
4. To make certain; to finalize.
5. To hold firmly; to clench
6. To set closely together; to close tightly.
7. To hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to avoid being hit while resting momentarily
8. To secure a spot (e.g., at the divisional championship) before the end of regular season play by having an insurmountable lead.
9. To embrace passionately.

## Etymology
16th-century alteration of clench.

## Easily confused with
- **Clint** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-clint)
- **cling** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-cling)
- **conch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-conch)
- **clink** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-clink)
- **clinic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-clinic)
- **clutch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-clutch)
- **crunch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-crunch)
- **clingy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clinch-vs-clingy)
- **click** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/click-vs-clinch)
- **Cinco** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cinco-vs-clinch)
- **cinch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cinch-vs-clinch)
- **cliché** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cliche-vs-clinch)
- **clancy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clancy-vs-clinch)
- **clench** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/clench-vs-clinch)

## Common misspellings (10)
`cclinch`, `cilnch`, `clicnh`, `clincch`, `clinchh`, `clinhc`, `clinnch`, `cllinch`, `clnich`, `lcinch`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/clinch