clinch

/klɪnt͡ʃ/verb
Middle School
1

To bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed.

2

To clasp; to interlock.

3

To fasten securely or permanently.

4

To make certain; to finalize.

5

To hold firmly; to clench

6

To set closely together; to close tightly.

7

To hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to avoid being hit while resting momentarily

8

To secure a spot (e.g., at the divisional championship) before the end of regular season play by having an insurmountable lead.

9

To embrace passionately.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing