cling

cling [ klıŋ ] (past tense and past participle clung [ klʌŋ ] ) verb intransitive **

1. ) to hold onto something or someone tightly with your hands or arms, for example because you are afraid:

Crossing the bridge, she felt dizzy and clung to the rails.

cling to: Some children were sobbing and clinging to their mothers.

cling together: The two monkeys clung tightly together.

a ) to stay very close to someone, usually because you want them to protect you:

He still clings to his mother even at the age of ten.

2. ) cling to to keep believing that something is right or real, even though other people do not:

Members of the sect have clung to a faith that has been outlawed since the 17th century.

3. ) cling to to try very hard to keep something:

The Prime Minister is still clinging to power.

4. ) cling to to stick to or fit very tightly on something:

Gareth's dripping clothes clung to his body.