clasping

[klas-ping, klah-sping] / ˈklæs pɪŋ, ˈklɑ spɪŋ /

VERB

grab tightly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clamp clutch fasten grasp

STRONG

attack buckle clinch clip concatenate connect embrace enfold grapple grip hold hug pin press seize snatch squeeze take

WEAK

bear hug coll glom onto

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go loosen open release unfasten unlock

STRONG

disbelieve give offer receive reject stop

WEAK

loose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Manuel Alarcon, her father, was seated in the crowd, clasping his hands in rapt attention.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

On the coastal road at Playa Canizo, a man in a straw hat and sodden fatigues, clasping an equally wet suitcase, thrust out his left arm, hoping for a ride to safety.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

“He doesn’t know he was in a movie,” said Leonberg, clasping a happily wriggling Indy, who doesn’t register me on the other end of the Zoom interview.

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2025

"Yes," Mamta Pathak replied, clasping her hand in a respectful namaste.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

Uncle Al pauses, clasping his hand to his heart and sniffing piteously.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen