clutch

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clutch /kl'ʌtʃ/ (clutches clutching clutched)
1 [VERB] V at n, V n
If you clutch at something or clutch something, you hold it tightly, usually because you are afraid or anxious.
I staggered and had to clutch at a chair for support...
She was clutching a photograph.
= grasp, grip
2 [N-PLURAL] usu with poss
If someone is in another person's clutches, that person has captured them or has power over them.
Stojanovic escaped their clutches by jumping from a moving vehicle.
= grasp
3 [N-COUNT]
In a vehicle, the clutch is the pedal that you press before you change gear.
Laura let out the clutch and pulled slowly away down the drive.
4
to clutch at straws: see straw

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