1. a device used to hold or fasten things tightly together

1. to fasten or hold something tightly with or as if with a clamp
2. to impose strict controls or restrictions on something

Examples

• Use a clamp to hold the wood pieces together while the glue dries.
• The mechanic attached a clamp to the broken pipe.
• She clamped the papers together with a binder clip.
• The dentist clamped the patient’s mouth open during the procedure.
• He clamped his hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
• The government decided to clamp down on illegal parking.
• Security forces clamped strict controls on the border crossing.