clamp down Hear it!

Variant of clamp¹

clamp¹ Definition

clamp (klamp)

noun

any of various devices for clasping or fastening things together, or for bracing parts; esp., an appliance with two parts that can be brought together, usually by a screw, to grip something

Etymology: ME < MDu klampe: for IE base see climb

transitive verb

  1. to grip, fasten, or brace with or as with a clamp
  2. ☆ to put in effect forcefully; impose to clamp a curfew on the town
clamp¹ Idioms

clamp down (on)

☆
to become more strict (with)

Variant of clamp²

clamp² Definition

clamp (klamp)

noun

the sound of heavy footsteps

Etymology: var. of clump

intransitive verb

to tread heavily

Browse dictionary entries near clamp down

  1. ‹ clamp
  2. ‹ clamour
  3. ‹ clamorous
  4. ‹ clamorer
  5. ‹ clamor
  6. ‹ clammy
  7. ‹ clamming
  8. ‹ clamminess
  9. ‹ clammily
  10. ‹ clammiest
  1. clampdown ›
  2. clams ›
  3. clams casino ›
  4. clamshell ›
  5. clan ›
  6. clandestine ›
  7. clandestinely ›
  8. clandestineness ›
  9. clandestinity ›
  10. clang ›