cramponner

to cling, to grip

verb krahn-poh-NEH Rare

Usage Note

Cramponner is most commonly used reflexively as se cramponner à, meaning to cling tightly to something or someone, both physically and figuratively. You can se cramponner à une idée (cling to an idea) or se cramponner à la rampe (grip the railing). The noun crampon refers to a cleat or crampon used in climbing and sports.

Examples

"Elle se cramponnait à la rampe pour ne pas tomber."

Natural Translation

She clung to the railing so as not to fall.

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