Tightly closed or squeezed, like a fist closed tightly, or to squeeze something with force.
From Old English 'clyncan' meaning 'to clench' or 'to grasp tightly.' Related to 'clinch,' describing a secure hold.
When humans are stressed, we clench our jaws involuntarily—dental professionals can actually see wear patterns on teeth that reveal who's stressed, making jaw tension a physical record of anxiety!
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