Clutch vs. Clench — What's the Difference?

A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages power transmission, especially from a drive shaft (driving shaft) to a driven shaft. In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts).

(with reference to the fingers or hand) close into a tight ball, especially as a manifestation of extreme anger

To grasp and hold tightly

A contraction or tightening of part of the body

To seize; snatch

To close tightly

To attempt to grasp or seize

To grasp or grip tightly

To engage or disengage a motor vehicle's clutch.

To clinch (a bolt, for example).

To hatch (chicks).

A tight grip or grasp.

A hand, claw, talon, or paw in the act of grasping.

Something, such as a mechanical device, that clenches or holds fast.

A tight grasp.

To grip or hold fast.

Often clutches Control or power

To close tightly.

A device for gripping and holding.

A tight grip.

Any of various devices for engaging and disengaging two working parts of a shaft or of a shaft and a driving mechanism.

(engineering) A seal that is applied to formed thin-wall bushings.

The apparatus, such as a lever or pedal, that activates one of these devices.

A local chapter of the Church of the SubGenius parody religion.

A tense, critical situation

(archaic) A pun

A small, strapless purse that is carried in the hand.

See Clinch.

The complete set of eggs produced or incubated at one time.

A small slip noose made with seizing

A brood of chickens.

The act of grasping;

A group; a bunch.

Hold in a tight grasp;

Being or occurring in a tense or critical situation

Squeeze together tightly;

Tending to be successful in tense or critical situations

To seize, as though with claws.

To grip or grasp tightly.

(video games) To win in a 1vX (one versus X) situation.

To unexpectedly or luckily succeed in a difficult activity.

(transitive) To hatch.

The claw of a predatory animal or bird.

(by extension) A grip, especially one seen as rapacious or evil.

A device to interrupt power transmission, commonly used to separate the engine and gearbox in a car.

The pedal in a car that disengages power and torque transmission from the engine (through the drivetrain) to the drive wheels.

Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.

A fastener that attaches to the back of a tack pin to secure an accessory to clothing. Clutch (pin fastener).}}

A small handbag or purse with no straps or handle.

A brood of chickens or a sitting of eggs.

A group or bunch (of people or things).

(US) An important or critical situation.

A difficult maneuver

Performing or tending to perform well in difficult, high-pressure situations.

A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp.

The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; - often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary.

A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.

Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.

The nest complement of eggs of a bird.

To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws; - often figuratively; as, to clutch power.

To close tightly; to clinch.

To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; - often followed by at.

To become too tense or frightened to perform properly; used sometimes with up; as, he clutched up on the exam.

The act of grasping;

A tense critical situation;

A number of birds hatched at the same time

A collection of things or persons to be handled together

A pedal that operates a clutch

A coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism

Take hold of; grab;

Hold firmly, usually with one's hands;

Affect;