clench 
/ˈklɛntʃ/ verb
clench·es; clenched; clench·ing /ˈklɛntʃ/ verb 1 : to set (something) in a tightly closed position [+ obj] ▪ He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead. ▪ He clenched his fists in anger. ▪ She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth. [no obj] ▪ His jaw/fists clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech. 2 [+ obj] : to hold (something) tightly
▪ She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. ▪ He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
▪ She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. ▪ He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
