cling
UK: klɪŋ | US: klɪŋ
vi. to adhere or stick firmly to a surface or object
vi. to remain emotionally attached or dependent
vi. (of clothing) to fit tightly to the body
The word "cling" originates from Old English clingan, meaning "to adhere or shrink together." It shares roots with Germanic words like Middle Dutch klingen (to stick) and Old Norse klengjask (to cling). The core idea is of tight attachment, either physically (e.g., vines clinging to a wall) or emotionally (e.g., a child clinging to a parent). Over time, the word retained its vivid imagery of firm adherence.
The wet shirt clung to his skin.
Children often cling to their parents in unfamiliar situations.
The ivy clings to the brick wall, covering it entirely.
She clung to the hope that he would return.
The smell of smoke clung to his clothes after the fire.