French Conversation · Level 125
55 words
French word
cramponner
Pronunciation
IPA/kʁɑ̃pone/
Meaning
- verbcling
Example
Elle se cramponne à la barrière.
She is clinging to the barrier.
More examples
Il se cramponne à l'espoir malgré les difficultés.
He clings to hope in spite of the difficulties.
Core concept
A firm, hook-like hold prevents release, whether the hold is physical, emotional, or intellectual.
Common phrases
se cramponner à l'espoir
cling to hope
se cramponner à
cling to ___
Similar words
s'accrocher: Hold tightly onto something with the hands or body and not let go.
agripper: Seize something suddenly and hold it tightly.
se raccrocher: Cling to something relied on for support or hope.
s'attacher: Become deeply emotionally attached to someone or something.
Definition in French
Cramponner, verbe transitif ou pronominal, signifie s'agripper très fermement à quelque chose ou à quelqu'un pour ne pas lâcher prise, au sens propre comme au sens figuré.
Word origin
French formed cramponner from the noun crampon, referring to a projecting gripping piece, by means of the productive suffix -er.
Usage tips
- Cramponner can be transitive, but se cramponner à is the usual pattern when a person clings to something or someone.