WordGarden.iocling
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /klˈɪŋ/
US
- /ˈklɪŋ/
Meanings
Verb
to hold tightly to someone or something
to stick closely to a surface or object
to stay emotionally dependent on or unusually close to someone
More meaningsFewer meanings
to keep holding on to a belief, hope, habit, or idea
Beyond the definition
Imagine a little child clinging to their parent's leg – holding on tightly for security and support. That's the core of what "cling" means! It describes physically holding onto something firmly, like vines clinging to a wall. But it also goes beyond that. You can cling to an idea, refusing to let go even when it's outdated, or cling to a memory, desperately wanting to hold onto the past. Someone who is emotionally dependent on another person might be said to cling to them. It suggests a need for connection and security, sometimes to an excessive degree.
Think of barnacles clinging to a ship's hull – they're stuck fast! Or consider someone clinging to hope during a difficult time. The word often implies vulnerability or desperation alongside the act of holding on.
To cling means to hold onto something tightly, both physically and emotionally. It suggests a strong need for support, security, or connection. Originally, it described the physical act of gripping firmly – think of monkeys clinging to branches, or ivy clinging to brickwork. "The climber clung to the rock face, desperate to avoid falling."
However, "cling" quickly expanded beyond the purely physical. We cling to beliefs, habits, or memories when we resist letting them go. "She clung to the hope that her son would return safely." This usage implies a reluctance to change or accept new realities.
Emotionally, to cling means to be overly dependent on someone for support and affection. "He was so insecure that he clung to his girlfriend, needing constant reassurance." This can suggest an unhealthy dynamic where one person relies too heavily on another. It's often used with a negative connotation, implying possessiveness or desperation.
The intensity of "cling" is important. It's stronger than simply holding something; it suggests a tenacious grip born out of need or fear. A child might cling to a favorite toy for comfort, but an adult clinging to past grievances is likely hindering their own progress.
Examples
- 1
Child in crowd
The little boy clung to his mother's hand in the busy station.
- 2
Wet clothing
My wet shirt clung to my back after the run.
- 3
Nature
A few leaves still clung to the branches after the storm.
- 4
Lingering smell
The smell of smoke clung to my clothes for hours.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hope
Even after the bad news, she clung to the hope that he would recover.
- Patterncling to + hope/belief
keep believing in it strongly
- 6
Beliefs
He still clings to the idea that hard work alone guarantees success.
- 7
Political power
Some leaders cling to power long after people want change.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- cling to
- cling tightly
- cling for dear life
- cling to hope
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- clingverbnoun
Forms
- clinging-ing formverbnoun
- clungpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- clingsverbnoun