Meaning & use
Buckle
Last updated
A metal or plastic clasp used to fasten two ends of a strap or belt, or, as a verb, to bend or collapse under pressure.
See it in a sentence
He fastened the buckle on his backpack before setting off.
The bridge's supports began to buckle under the weight of the flood water.
A note on using this word
As a verb, 'buckle' can describe either fastening something securely or, in the opposite sense, structurally caving in, so context is essential.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
holdwithstand
Another way to use it
2. verb
To bend, warp, or give way suddenly under pressure or stress.
His knees buckled after the long, grueling race.
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