Clinch
/klɪntʃ/noun
To fasten or secure something firmly, or to settle or confirm something decisively.
Did you know?The verb likely comes from a dialectal form meaning to fasten or grip tightly, and its modern sense of “settle decisively” grew from the physical act of locking something in place.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*klank- / *klenk-
“A likely Germanic base connected with bending, fastening, or making something hold fast”
Middle English
English
clenchen
“To fasten, secure, or grip tightly”
15th–16th Century
English
clinch
“To fasten by bending over the end of a nail or similar metal piece”
17th–18th Century
English
clinch
“To make a matter firm, final, or unshakable”
Modern English
English
clinch
“To secure firmly or settle decisively”