clasp

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/klæsp/
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A fastening catch or the act of fastening, with closely related senses for a firm hold, an embrace, and a bar added to a military medal.
Practice using clasp in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The museum label explains the medal's clasp.
  • The strap clasps to a small ring.
  • A brief clasp of hands sealed the promise.
  • A magnetic clasp closes the purse.
  • The lid clasps shut with a quiet click.

Similar words

catch
bar
clutch
closure
hug
medal bar
clip
grasp
fasten
hug

Meanings

Fastening device

noun
everyday
neutral
A small catch, hook, buckle, or similar device that holds two parts together.

Usage

clasp fits best when the object is the actual fastener on jewelry, clothing, bags, books, or small fittings.

Examples

  • The clasp on the bracelet snapped.
  • A hidden clasp keeps the box closed.
  • The watch clasp clicked into place.
  • She replaced the broken clasp on her bag.
  • The old book had a brass clasp.
  • A magnetic clasp closes the purse.
  • The jeweler fitted a new clasp to the chain.

Common mistakes

The article is dropped before the count noun.
IncorrectCorrect
Clasp on my bracelet is broken. The clasp on my bracelet is broken.
She bought a clasp of silver. She bought a silver clasp.
The clasp is the whole necklace. The clasp is the fastener on the necklace.

Similar words

fastener
catch
hook
buckle
clip
snap
closure

Fasten or close

verb
everyday
neutral
To secure something with a clasp, or to close it firmly in a similar way.

Usage

clasp works for fastening a small object shut, especially when a catch, hook, or fitted closing is involved.

Examples

  • She clasped the bracelet around her wrist.
  • He clasped the cloak at his throat.
  • The lid clasps shut with a quiet click.
  • I clasped the case before lifting it.
  • The strap clasps to a small ring.
  • She clasped the purse and set it on the table.
  • The chain can be clasped to the belt loop.

Common mistakes

The regular past tense is left unmarked.
IncorrectCorrect
She clasp the necklace before leaving. She clasped the necklace before leaving.
He clasped the lid tomorrow. He will clasp the lid tomorrow.
Please clasp the zipper. Please zip the zipper.

Similar words

fasten
secure
hook
attach
close
buckle

Hold tightly

verb
physical
neutral
To take or keep something in a firm grip, often with the hands or arms.

Usage

clasp suggests a close, deliberate hold, stronger and more contained than simply touching or holding lightly.

Examples

  • She clasped his hand during the storm.
  • He clasped the letter to his chest.
  • The child clasped the toy bear tightly.
  • They clasped each other in relief.
  • He clasped the rail as the boat moved.
  • Her fingers clasped the cold handle.
  • The old friends clasped hands for a moment.

Common mistakes

The verb is used for loose contact instead of a firm grip.
IncorrectCorrect
She clasped the cup with one finger. She held the cup with one finger.
He clasp his daughter in his arms. He clasped his daughter in his arms.
They clasped hands to say hello quickly. They shook hands to say hello quickly.

Similar words

grip
grasp
clutch
hold
embrace
hug
squeeze

Firm hold or embrace

noun
physical
neutral
A tight hold, grip, or embrace made with the hands or arms.

Usage

clasp as a noun is literary or careful in tone when it describes a hold, so it suits a firm handshake, grip, or embrace more than casual contact.

Examples

  • Their clasp lasted only a second.
  • She felt the warm clasp of his hand.
  • The reunion ended in a tearful clasp.
  • He tightened his clasp on the rope.
  • A brief clasp of hands sealed the promise.
  • The child relaxed in her mother's clasp.
  • His nervous clasp left marks on the paper.

Common mistakes

The noun is used where a more ordinary word for greeting is needed.
IncorrectCorrect
He gave me a clasp at the door. He gave me a handshake at the door.
The clasp of the crowd helped her. The support of the crowd helped her.
Their clasp were warm. Their clasp was warm.

Similar words

grip
grasp
hold
embrace
hug
clutch

Medal bar

noun
military
technical
A small bar or device attached to a medal ribbon to mark an extra award, campaign, or kind of service.

Usage

clasp in this sense belongs to military honours and award records, where it names the bar added to a medal ribbon.

Examples

  • The medal carried a clasp for desert service.
  • A silver clasp marked his second award.
  • The campaign clasp was fixed to the ribbon.
  • Her service record lists one medal and two clasps.
  • The museum label explains the medal's clasp.
  • Each clasp named a different campaign.
  • The veteran polished the clasp before the parade.

Common mistakes

The medal and the added bar are treated as the same object.
IncorrectCorrect
He received a clasp for bravery. He received a medal for bravery with a clasp for the campaign.
The clasp hung around her neck. The medal hung around her neck.
Two clasp were added to the ribbon. Two clasps were added to the ribbon.

Similar words

bar
medal bar
award bar
campaign bar
service bar

Usage

Choose the noun for a fastener or medal bar, and the verb for fastening shut or holding someone or something firmly.

Common mistakes

He clasp the necklace misses the regular past-tense ending, and a clasp is the fastener, not the whole necklace or medal.

Etymology

From Middle English claspe, first used for a metal catch or hook. It may come by metathesis from clapse, related to Old English clyppan, meaning to embrace or clasp.

FAQ

What does clasp mean as a noun?

clasp usually means a small fastener, such as the catch on a bracelet, bag, or book.

What does clasp mean as a verb?

To clasp something is to fasten it shut or hold it firmly with the hands or arms.

Is clasp the same as grasp?

clasp often suggests closing around something or holding it close, while grasp more broadly means taking or understanding something.

Can clasp mean a hug?

Yes. A clasp can be a firm embrace, and to clasp someone can mean to hold them in the arms.

What is a military clasp?

It is a small bar or device added to a medal ribbon to show an extra award, campaign, or kind of service.

What is the past tense of clasp?

The normal past tense and past participle are clasped.

Where does clasp come from?

It comes from Middle English claspe, probably related to older words for embracing or holding together.

Comments & contributions

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Sincere Kudu
Jul 10
first met this word in fantasy books, not in normal chat lol
0
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Contribution
Free Salamander
Jul 7
I wouldnt read "she clasped her hands" as her grabbing somebody else's hand. Thats her own two hands together. For another person it has to be "clasped his hand" or "they clasped hands", at least to my ear
2
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Contribution
Hardy Trout
Jul 1
In jewelry repairs, clasp can be a bit too broad once you are choosing the part. People will say lobster clasp or magnetic clasp, not just clasp. But if it snapped off, "the clasp broke" is exactly normal.
4
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Misty Hedgehog
Jul 7
magnetic ones are lifesavers if your fingers dont like tiny necklace latches
1
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