A small catch, hook, buckle, or similar device that holds two parts together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Similar words
bar
medal bar
award bar
campaign bar
service bar
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
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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
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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.
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Misty Hedgehog
Jul 7
magnetic ones are lifesavers if your fingers dont like tiny necklace latches