clamp
clamp /kl'æmp/ (clamps clamping clamped)
1 [N-COUNT]
A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.
2 [VERB] V n to n
When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp.
Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.
3 [VERB] V n prep, V n together, V n adj, V-ed
To clamp something in a particular place means to put it or hold it there firmly and tightly.
Simon finished dialing and clamped the phone to his ear...
He clamped his lips together...
You beg him to try just one spoonful, and he clamps his mouth shut...
Peter jumped to his feet with his hand clamped to his neck.
4 [N-COUNT]
A clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the clamp removed. (BRIT; in AM, use Denver boot)
5 [VERB] V n
To clamp a car means to fit a clamp to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. (BRIT; in AM, use boot)
Courts in Scotland have ruled it illegal to clamp a car parked on private ground and then to demand a fine.
● clamping [N-UNCOUNT]
The AA called for laws to regulate clamping firms.clamp down
[PHRASAL VERB] V P on n, V P
To clamp down on people or activities means to take strong official action to stop or control them. (JOURNALISM)
If the government clamps down on the protestors, that will only serve to strengthen them in the long run...
Banking regulators failed to clamp down until earlier this month.
= crack downwheel clamp (wheel clamps wheel clamping wheel clamped)
1 [N-COUNT]
A wheel clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The motorist has to pay to have the clamp removed. (BRIT; in AM, use Denver boot)
2 [VERB] be V-ed
If a car is wheel clamped, a wheel clamp is fixed to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. (BRIT; in AM, use boot)
Unauthorized vehicles will be wheel clamped or towed away.
● wheel-clamping [N-UNCOUNT]
...drivers forced to pay wheel-clamping charges.
1 [N-COUNT]
A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.
2 [VERB] V n to n
When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp.
Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.
3 [VERB] V n prep, V n together, V n adj, V-ed
To clamp something in a particular place means to put it or hold it there firmly and tightly.
Simon finished dialing and clamped the phone to his ear...
He clamped his lips together...
You beg him to try just one spoonful, and he clamps his mouth shut...
Peter jumped to his feet with his hand clamped to his neck.
4 [N-COUNT]
A clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the clamp removed. (BRIT; in AM, use Denver boot)
5 [VERB] V n
To clamp a car means to fit a clamp to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. (BRIT; in AM, use boot)
Courts in Scotland have ruled it illegal to clamp a car parked on private ground and then to demand a fine.
● clamping [N-UNCOUNT]
The AA called for laws to regulate clamping firms.clamp down
[PHRASAL VERB] V P on n, V P
To clamp down on people or activities means to take strong official action to stop or control them. (JOURNALISM)
If the government clamps down on the protestors, that will only serve to strengthen them in the long run...
Banking regulators failed to clamp down until earlier this month.
= crack downwheel clamp (wheel clamps wheel clamping wheel clamped)
1 [N-COUNT]
A wheel clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The motorist has to pay to have the clamp removed. (BRIT; in AM, use Denver boot)
2 [VERB] be V-ed
If a car is wheel clamped, a wheel clamp is fixed to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. (BRIT; in AM, use boot)
Unauthorized vehicles will be wheel clamped or towed away.
● wheel-clamping [N-UNCOUNT]
...drivers forced to pay wheel-clamping charges.