Phrase guide

clamp down on

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To take measures to stop (something); to put an end to (something); to exert tighter control of (something); to treat (someone or something) more harshly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The government aims to clamp down on underage drinking.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 壓制 /压制 (yāzhì) — to take measures to stop something
  • Chinese Mandarin: 制止 (zhìzhǐ) — to take measures to stop something
  • Chinese Mandarin: 鎮壓 /镇压 (zhènyā) — to take measures to stop something
  • Danish: slå ned på — to take measures to stop something
  • Finnish: puuttua — to take measures to stop something
  • French: lutter contre — to take measures to stop something
  • French: faire cesser — to take measures to stop something
  • French: mettre un terme — to take measures to stop something
  • Māori: pēhipēhi — to take measures to stop something
  • Russian: покончить (pokončitʹ) — to take measures to stop something
  • Northern Sami: loahpahit — to take measures to stop something
  • Northern Sami: loaktit — to take measures to stop something
  • Swedish: sätta stopp för — to take measures to stop something