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, adjectiveWords nearby clamp
clambering,
clammy,
clamor,
clamorous,
clamour,
clamp,
clamp down,
clamp down on,
clamp forceps,
clampdown,
clamper
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]