clutch etymology

Etymology

The word "clutch" has multiple etymological origins:

• Middle English: "clucchen," meaning "to grasp tightly"
• Old Norse: "kloka," meaning "claw"
• Proto-Indo-European: "*kel-," meaning "to seize"

Meaning

The primary meaning of "clutch" is:

• To grasp or hold something tightly with one's hand or fingers

Other Meanings

"Clutch" can also have several other meanings, depending on the context:

• A group of eggs laid by a bird at one time
• A mechanism in a vehicle that engages or disengages the transmission
• A critical or challenging situation
• To perform a sudden grabbing motion (e.g., "to clutch at straws")

Origin

The word "clutch" originated in the Middle English period (1150-1500 CE) from the verb "clucchen," which meant "to grasp tightly." This verb is thought to have evolved from the Old Norse word "kloka," meaning "claw." Ultimately, the word "clutch" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kel-," which signified the act of seizing or grasping something.

Historical Usage

The word "clutch" has been in use for centuries. In the 16th century, it was often used to describe the act of holding or embracing someone. By the 17th century, it began to be used in the sense of "a group of eggs laid by a bird." The automotive meaning of "clutch" emerged in the early 20th century with the advent of motorized vehicles.

clutch relate terms

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• cluck

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• batch

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• seize

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• clench

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• gripe

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• choke

  Etymology The word choke has a complex etymological history originating from multiple

• straw

  Etymology The word straw is derived from the Old English word strēaw which is relat

• nail

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• nest

  Etymology The word nest comes from the Old English noun nest which meant a place wh

• brood

  Etymology The word brood comes from the Middle English word brod which is derived fr

• stanch

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