usage: 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"
7. clutch, clutch pedal, pedal, treadle, foot pedal, foot lever
usage: a coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism; "this year's model has an improved clutch"
Verb
1. seize, prehend, clutch, take, get hold of
usage: take hold of; grab; "The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals"
2. cling to, hold close, hold tight, clutch, hold, take hold
usage: hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm when she got scared"
3. seize, clutch, get hold of, overwhelm, overpower, sweep over, whelm, overcome, overtake
usage: affect; "Fear seized the prisoners"; "The patient was seized with unbearable pains"; "He was seized with a dreadful disease"