clamp down etymology

Etymology:

• Clamp: Middle English, from Old English "clamm," meaning "to grip, fasten"
• Down: Old English "dun," meaning "downward, downwards"

Meaning:

Clamp down means to take strict measures to control or suppress something. It implies the use of pressure or force to enforce compliance.

Origin:

The term "clamp down" originated in the 19th century and was initially used in the context of shipbuilding. It referred to the act of tightening a clamp or wedge to hold a wooden plank or beam in place. Over time, the metaphorical sense of "clamping down" to control or suppress emerged and became widely used.

Example:

• The government clamped down on illegal immigration by increasing border patrols and enforcing stricter penalties.

clamp down relate terms

• clamp

  Etymology The word clamp comes from the Middle English word claumpe which in turn i

• clamp

  Etymology The word clamp comes from the Middle English word claumpe which in turn i

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• clam

  Etymology The word clam likely derives from the Middle English word clamm meaning t

• harpoon

  Etymology harpoon n 1670s from French harpon from Old French harpon harponc fr

• Denver

  Etymology The name Denver is derived from General James W Denver the first governor

• recumbent

  Etymology The word recumbent comes from the Latin word recumbere which means to li

• valance

  Etymology The word valance comes from the Old French word valance which itself deri

• depress

  Etymology The word depress originates from the Latin verb deprimere which means to

• week

  Etymology Old English wice Proto Germanic wikon Proto Indo European wig Meaning

• bluff

  Etymology The word bluff has several possible origins French bluffer to deceive