clamp

[ klamp ]
/ klæmp /

noun

verb (used with object)

to fasten with or fix in a clamp.

Verb Phrases

clamp down, to become more strict: There were too many tax loopholes, so the government clamped down.
clamp down on, to impose or increase controls on.

Origin of clamp

1350–1400; Middle English (noun) < Middle Dutch clampe clamp, cleat; cognate with Middle Low German klampe

OTHER WORDS FROM clamp

un·clamped, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for clamp down on (1 of 2)

clamp 1
/ (klæmp) /

noun

a mechanical device with movable jaws with which an object can be secured to a bench or with which two objects may be secured together
See also wheel clamp
a means by which a fixed joint may be strengthened
nautical a horizontal beam fastened to the ribs for supporting the deck beams in a wooden vessel

verb (tr)

Word Origin for clamp

C14: from Dutch or Low German klamp; related to Old English clamm bond, fetter, Old Norse kleppr lump

British Dictionary definitions for clamp down on (2 of 2)

clamp 2
/ (klæmp) British agriculture /

noun

a mound formed out of a harvested root crop, covered with straw and earth to protect it from winter weather
a pile of bricks ready for processing in a furnace

verb

(tr) to enclose (a harvested root crop) in a mound

Word Origin for clamp

C16: from Middle Dutch klamp heap; related to clump

Medical definitions for clamp down on

clamp
[ klămp ]

n.

An instrument for the compression or grasping of a structure.

Idioms and Phrases with clamp down on

clamp down on

Also, put the clamps on. Become stricter or more repressive; put a stop to. For example, The company was clamping down on expenses like business lunches, or It's time we put the clamps on polluters. [Mid-1900s]