<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) To settle (a matter) decisively: After they clinched the deal they went out to celebrate.</li><li>Synonyms: confirm, conclude, close, secure, cinch.</li><li>To secure (a nail, screw, etc.) in position by beating down the protruding point: He drove the nails through the board and clinched the points flat with a hammer.</li><li>To fasten (objects) together by nails, screws, etc., secured in this manner.</li><li>Nautical: to fasten by a clinch.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) Boxing: to engage in a clinch: The boxers clinched and were separated by the referee.</li><li>Slang: to embrace, especially passionately.</li><li>(of a clinched nail, screw, etc.) to hold fast; be secure.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>The act of clinching.</li><li>Boxing: an act or instance of one or both boxers holding the other about the arms or body in order to prevent or hinder the opponent's punches.</li><li>Slang: a passionate embrace.</li><li>A clinched nail or fastening.</li><li>The bent part of a clinched nail, screw, etc.</li><li>A knot or bend in which a bight or eye is made by making a loop or turn in the rope and seizing the end to the standing part.</li><li>Archaic: a pun.</li></ul>