clung

Verb

cling (third-person singular simple present clings, present participle clinging, simple past and past participle clung or (nonstandard) clinged or (obsolete) clong)

1. To hold very tightly, as to not fall off.
   • Seaweed clung to the anchor.

   Synonyms:

   clinch, grip, beclasp, begrasp, begrip, belock, clasp, clench, clutch, enclasp

2. To adhere to an object, without being affixed, in such a way as to follow its contours. Used especially of fabrics and films.

   Synonyms:

   cleave, stick, adhere, attach, bond, cohere, conglutinate, glue, hug, stick together

3. (transitive) To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
   • I[…] clung my legs as close to his sides as I could.1732, Jonathan Swift, An Examination of Certain Abuses in the City of Dublin

   Synonyms:

   cleave, stick, adhere, attach, bond, cohere, conglutinate, glue, hug, stick together

4. (transitive) To cause to dry up or wither.
   • If thou speak'st false, / Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive, / Till famine cling thee.c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
5. (intransitive) To dry up or wither.
   • Wood clings.
6. (figuratively) To be fond of, to feel strongly about and dependent on.

See all 11 meanings of cling