noun

clampdown

/ˈklæmpdaʊn/ · say it: KLAMP·down

a firm official action to restrict something

In more detail

1. (noun) a strict action taken by authorities to control or stop something illegal or unwanted; harsh enforcement of rules

2. (noun) the act of pressing down firmly with a clamping device

Examples

1. The government announced a clampdown on illegal parking in the city center.
2. The mechanic used a clampdown to hold the metal parts together while welding.

How to use clampdown

Clampdown is most commonly used in the first sense: a firm, often sudden governmental or official action to restrict or eliminate something problematic or illegal. It typically has a somewhat negative connotation, implying severity or oppression, and is frequently used in news and political contexts. The second, technical sense (physical clamping) is less common in general English.

Common phrases

clampdown on corruption
clampdown on crime
government clampdown
impose a clampdown
strict clampdown

Synonyms

crackdown · suppression · enforcement · restriction · clamping down

Opposites

relaxation · loosening

Word family

clamp down (verb) · clamp (verb/noun) · clamping (adjective/noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat clampdown as a verb (saying 'to clampdown' instead of 'to clamp down'), though the noun clampdown and the phrasal verb clamp down are both standard.

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