1. holding something tightly with the hand or hands
Usage: present participle of clutch
2. trying desperately to obtain or retain something
Usage: present participle of clutch

1. causing anxiety or fear; tense
Usage: informal

Examples

• She was clutching her purse tightly as she walked through the crowd.
• The child was clutching his mother’s hand in the busy store.
• He was clutching at straws, trying to save his failing business.
• The climber was clutching the rope with both hands.
• That was a clutching moment when the car almost hit us.
• She found herself clutching the armrest during takeoff.
• The patient was clutching the doctor’s arm, begging for help.