clasp

UK: /ˈklɑːsp/ US: /klæsp/ ,(klasp, kläsp)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

clasp /klæsp/   n. [countable]

1. a device for fastening together two or more things or parts:
   He'd broken the small clasp on the necklace.
2. a firm grasp or grip of the hand.

v. [~ + object]

3. to fasten with or as if with a clasp.
4. to grasp or grip with the hand:
   He clasped me by the arm.
5. to hold in a tight embrace;
   hug:
   He clasped the child to him.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

clasp  (klasp, kläsp), n., v., clasped  or (Archaic) claspt 

(klaspt, kläspt);  clasping. 

n. 

1. a device, usually of metal, for fastening together two or more things or parts of the same thing:
   a clasp for paper money; a clasp on a necklace.
2. a firm grasp or grip:
   a clasp of hands.
3. a tight embrace:
   She held the child in a loving clasp.
4. Military a small bar or metal design, as a star, for affixing to the ribbon of a military decoration to indicate that the bearer has been awarded the decoration an additional time.

v.t. 
5. to fasten with or as with a clasp.
6. to furnish with a clasp.
7. to seize, grasp, or grip with the hand:
   She clasped the club in her hand.
8. to hold in a tight embrace;
   hug:
   He clasped the child to him.

v.i. 
9. to embrace or hug:
   The lovers clasped.
• Middle English clasp (noun, nominal), claspen (verb, verbal), perh. blend of, blended clippen clip² and haspe hasp 1275–1325
Synonyms
• 1. brooch, pin, clip, hook, catch.
• 3. hug.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

clasp / klɑːsp/ noun

1. a fastening, such as a catch or hook, used for holding things together
2. a firm grasp, hold, or embrace
3. a bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to indicate either a second award or the battle, campaign, or reason for its award

verb (transitive)

1. to hold in a firm grasp
2. to grasp firmly with the hand
3. to fasten together with or as if with a clasp

Etymology: 14th Century: of uncertain origin; compare Old English clyppan to embrace

ˈclasper noun