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pinch
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- pronunciation:
- pInch
- parts of speech:
- verb, noun
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
pinches, pinching, pinched |
| definition 1: |
to press hard between two surfaces, such as the finger and thumb.
He pinched my cheek.The door closed on my thumb and pinched it.- synonyms:
- compress, squeeze
- similar words:
- constrict, nip, tighten, wring
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| definition 2: |
to press too tightly on.
The helmet was so small it pinched her ears.- synonyms:
- restrict
- similar words:
- constrict, cramp, squeeze
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| definition 3: |
to cause to look pale or troubled
Sadness pinched his face.- similar words:
- distress
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| definition 4: |
(informal) to take into police custody; arrest.
The police pinched the robber as she ran from the bank.- synonyms:
- apprehend, arrest, bust, collar, nab
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| related words: |
apprehend, arrest, bite, capture, nip, pluck, seize |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
the action or an instance of squeezing between two fingers or two other surfaces.
She woke up her brother with a pinch.- similar words:
- nip, squeeze
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| definition 2: |
an amount that can be picked up between the thumb and a finger.
This soup needs a pinch of salt.- synonyms:
- bit, drop, trace
- similar words:
- dab, dash, speck
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| definition 3: |
an instance or condition of great need or emergency.
When he was in a pinch and needed money, she helped him out.- synonyms:
- emergency, need
- similar words:
- adversity, extremity, hardship, pressure, spot, stress
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| related words: |
crisis, crumb, drop, morsel, need, pang, poverty, touch, tuck |
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