clinch

Definition

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

Etymology

16th-century alteration of clench.

Example Sentences

• "“Beloved shipmates, clinch the last verse of the first chapter of Jonah—‘And God had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.’”"
• "I already planned to buy the car, but the color was what really clinched it for me."
• "Vincent Kompany was sent off after conceding a penalty that was converted by Stephen Hunt to give Wolves hope. But Adam Johnson's curling shot in stoppage time clinched the points."