Definition of "Clutch" :

noun: the act of grasping

noun: a coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism

"This year's model has an improved clutch."

noun: a pedal or lever that engages or disengages a rotating shaft and a driving mechanism

"He smoothely released the clutch with one foot and stepped on the gas with the other."

noun: a woman's strapless purse that is carried in the hand

noun: a collection of things or persons to be handled together

noun: a number of birds hatched at the same time

noun: a tense critical situation

"He is a good man in the clutch."

verb: affect

verb: take hold of; grab

"She clutched her purse."

verb: hold firmly, usually with one's hands

"She clutched my arm when she got scared."