Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
clench-the-jaw
verb phrase
/klɛn(t)ʃ ðə dʒɔː/
Definition
To tighten or close the jaw tightly, often due to stress, tension, or concentration.
Examples
- She tends to clench her jaw when she’s nervous about the presentation.
- After a long day, he realized he had been clenching his jaw without noticing.
Meaning
Clenching the jaw is a physical response that can occur during moments of anxiety or intense focus. It may also be related to dental issues or grinding of the teeth.
Synonyms
- grind
- clench
- bite down
