cling
[verb]
Synonyms: stick, adhere, clasp, clutch, embrace, grasp, grip, hug

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

cling /klɪŋ/ verb (past tense and past participle clung /klʌŋ/) [intransitive]
[Language: Old English; Origin: clingan]

1. [always + adverb/preposition] to hold someone or something tightly, especially because you do not feel safe
cling to/on/at etc
He wailed and clung to his mother.
Passengers clung desperately on to the lifeboats.

2. [always + adverb/preposition] to stick to someone or something, or seem to surround them
cling to/around etc
His wet shirt clung to his body.
The smell of cigarette smoke clung to her clothes.

3. to stay close to someone all the time because you are too dependent on them or do not feel safe – used to show disapproval:
Some children tend to cling on their first day at school.
cling on phrasal verb
to continue trying to stay in power, in business etc:
Other businesses cling on and hope.
cling to something (also cling on to something) phrasal verb

1. to continue to believe or do something, even though it may not be true or useful any longer
cling to the hope/belief/idea etc (that)
He clung to the hope that she would be cured.

2. to stay in a position of power or stay ahead, when this is difficult, or to try to do this:
an attempt to cling to power

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

cling
verb
I. hold tightly
ADV. firmly, tightly | desperately, precariously houses clinging precariously to sheer cliffs
together The children clung together in fear.
PREP. onto She clung onto my arm.
to He clung tightly to the raft to keep himself afloat.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

cling
II. stay close
ADV. close/closely The ground mist clung closely to the hedgerows.
PREP. to PHRASAL VERBS cling (on) to sth
ADV. still | rigidly, stubbornly, tenaciously He still clings stubbornly to his socialist ideas.
desperately, fiercely She was desperately clinging on to life.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲