Meaning & use
clasp
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Meanings
nouncountable
A small metal or plastic fastener that holds two parts of something closed, such as on a necklace, belt, or purse.
Grammar: Usually has a plural form: the clasps on both bracelets broke.
Patterns
- the clasp of something
- a clasp on something
The clasp on her necklace snapped, and the pendant slid into her hand.
I need a bag with a stronger clasp, because this one keeps popping open.
He fumbled with the tiny clasp of the watch strap.
nounusually singularliterary
A firm hold or grip, usually made with the hands or arms.
Grammar: Usually appears with an or the: a clasp of hands.
Patterns
- a clasp of something
- in someone's clasp
The two old friends greeted each other with a warm clasp of hands.
The child fell asleep in her mother's clasp.
He felt the tight clasp of her fingers on his sleeve.
verbtransitive
To hold something or someone tightly, usually with your hands or arms.
Grammar: Takes an object: she clasped the letter to her chest.
Patterns
- clasp something
- clasp something to something
- clasp someone in your arms
She clasped the little box in both hands and refused to let go.
He clasped his hands behind his back as he walked along the corridor.
The toddler clasped her father's leg and would not let him leave.
Word forms
| third person singular | clasps |
|---|---|
| past tense | clasped |
| past participle | clasped |
| -ing form | clasping |
Common combinations
- fasten the clasp
- Could you fasten the clasp at the back of my necklace?
- undo the clasp
- He undid the clasp and lifted the lid of the briefcase.
- clasp your hands
- She clasped her hands together and waited for the verdict.
- clasp something to your chest
- The boy clasped the puppy to his chest.
- a gold clasp
- The pearls were closed with a gold clasp.
Synonyms and how they differ
- grip
- Grip stresses the strength of the hold, while clasp often suggests wrapping hands or arms around something with feeling.
- clutch
- Clutch suggests holding on anxiously or desperately, which clasp does not necessarily imply.
- fastener
- Fastener is a general word for anything that holds things shut, whereas a clasp is one specific kind that usually hooks or snaps.
- embrace
- Embrace is used only for hugging people or ideas, not objects or hands alone.
Opposites
Word family
- clasped adjective
- held tightly together, as in clasped hands
- unclasp verb
- to open a clasp or loosen a hold
- clasper noun
- rare word for someone or something that clasps
- clasp knife noun
- a pocket knife whose blade folds into its handle
Commonly confused: clasp or clutch?
clasp vs clutch
A clutch is a tight, often nervous hold, and also a car pedal or a small handbag. A clasp is mainly a fastener or a firm, deliberate hold.
Practice
Which sentence uses clasp as a fastener?
Choose one answer.
Only the first sentence names a small device that closes a piece of jewelry. The others use clasp as a grip, and the last one is not natural.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clasp”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.