Pinch meaning

What does “pinch” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“pinch” is a noun and verb with 12 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a painful or straitened circumstance.

pinch

a painful or straitened circumstance
“the pinch of the recession”
an injury resulting from getting some body part squeezed
a slight but appreciable amount
“this dish could use a touch of garlic”
Synonymstouch hint tinge mite jot speck soupcon
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
“he never knew what to do in an emergency”
Synonymsemergency exigency
a small sharp bite or snip
Synonymsnip
a squeeze with the fingers
Synonymstweak
the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal)
“the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar”
Synonymsapprehension arrest catch collar taking into custody

squeeze tightly between the fingers
“He pinched her behind”
“She squeezed the bottle”
Synonymssqueeze twinge tweet nip twitch
make ridges into by pinching together
Synonymscrimp
make off with belongings of others
Synonymspilfer cabbage purloin abstract snarf swipe hook sneak
cut the top off
“top trees and bushes”
Synonymstop
irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear
“smooth surfaces can vellicate the teeth”
“the pain is as if sharp points pinch your back”
Synonymsvellicate

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University