clamp /klæ mp/ (clamps , clamping , clamped )
1 N‑COUNT A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together.
2 VERB When you clamp one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp. □ [V n + to ] Somebody forgot to bring along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.
3 VERB To clamp something in a particular place means to put it or hold it there firmly and tightly. □ [V n prep] Simon finished dialing and clamped the phone to his ear. □ [V n + together ] He clamped his lips together. □ [V n adj] You beg him to try just one spoonful, and he clamps his mouth shut. □ [V -ed] Peter jumped to his feet with his hand clamped to his neck.
4 N‑COUNT A clamp is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally-parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the clamp removed. [BRIT ] in AM, use Denver boot 5 VERB To clamp a car means to fit a clamp to one of its wheels so that it cannot be driven away. [BRIT ] □ [V n] Courts in Scotland have ruled it illegal to clamp a car parked on private ground and then to demand a fine. in AM, use boot ● clamp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The AA called for laws to regulate clamping firms.
▸ clamp down PHRASAL VERB To clamp down on people or activities means to take strong official action to stop or control them. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V P + on ] Police are clamping down on drivers who exceed the speed limit. □ [V P ] Banking regulators failed to clamp down until earlier this month.
clamp|down /klæ mpdaʊn/ (clampdowns ) also clamp-down N‑COUNT A clampdown is a sudden restriction on a particular activity by a government or other authority. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ on ] …a clampdown on the employment of illegal immigrants.
clan /klæ n/ (clans )
1 N‑COUNT A clan is a group which consists of families that are related to each other. □ …rival clans.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a group of people with the same interests as a clan . [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a powerful clan of industrialists from Monterrey.
clan|des|tine /klænde st I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is clandestine is hidden or kept secret, often because it is illegal. [FORMAL ] □ …their clandestine meetings.
clang /klæ ŋ/ (clangs , clanging , clanged ) VERB When a large metal object clangs , it makes a loud noise. □ [V ] The door clanged shut behind them. ● N‑VAR Clang is also a noun. □ He pulled the gates to with a clang.
clang|er /klæ ŋə r / (clangers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to something stupid or embarrassing that someone does or says as a clanger . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] ● PHRASE If you say that you have dropped a clanger , you mean that you have done or said something stupid or embarrassing. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
clank /klæ ŋk/ (clanks , clanking , clanked ) VERB When large metal objects clank , they make a noise because they are hitting together or hitting against something hard. □ [V ] A pan rattled and clanked. □ [V prep] 'Here we are now,' Beth said, as the train clanked into a tiny station. □ [V -ing] …the clanking noise of the ferry.
clan|nish /klæ n I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe a group of people as clannish , you mean that they often spend time together and may seem unfriendly to other people who are not in the group. [INFORMAL ] □ They were a clannish lot, not given to welcoming strangers.
clans|man /klæ nzmən/ (clansmen ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Clansmen are people who are members of the same clan .
clap /klæ p/ (claps , clapping , clapped )
1 VERB When you clap , you hit your hands together to show appreciation or attract attention. □ [V ] The men danced and the women clapped. □ [V n] Midge clapped her hands, calling them back to order. □ [V n] Londoners came out on to the pavement to wave and clap the marchers. ● N‑SING Clap is also a noun. □ Let's give the children a big clap.
2 VERB If you clap your hand or an object onto something, you put it there quickly and firmly. □ [V n prep] I clapped a hand over her mouth.
3 N‑COUNT A clap of thunder is a sudden and loud noise of thunder.
4 to clap eyes on someone → see eye
clap|board /klæ pbɔː r d, klæ bə r d/ (clapboards )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A clapboard building has walls which are covered with long narrow pieces of wood, usually painted white.
2 N‑COUNT A clapboard is the same as a clapperboard . [AM ]
cla pped-ou t also clapped out ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or a machine as clapped-out , you mean that they are old and no longer able to work properly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …his clapped-out old car. □ …clapped out comedians.
clapper|board /klæ pə r bɔː r d/ (clapperboards ) also clapper-board N‑COUNT A clapperboard consists of two pieces of wood that are connected by a hinge and hit together before each scene when making a film, to make it easier to match the sound and pictures of different scenes. [BRIT ] in AM, use clapboard
clap|trap /klæ ptræp/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something that someone says as claptrap , you mean that it is stupid or foolish although it may sound important. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ This is the claptrap that politicians have peddled many times before.
clar|et /klæ rət/ (clarets )