Fists
/fɪsts/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe hand when the fingers are bent in towards the palm and held there tightly.
/fɪsts/
A hand closed tightly, with the fingers curled into the palm.
He raised his fists in a sign of defiance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding something really small and tight in your hand – that's your fist! It's your hand all scrunched up.
👶 For kids: Your fist is when you close your hand tight, like when you're going to punch someone (but don't do that!).
More Examples
The angry man slammed his fists on the table.
The fighter's fists were covered in blood after the match.
How It's Used
"He clenched his fists in anger."
"The boxer landed several blows with his fists."
To strike or hit with the fist.
/fɪsts/
To strike with the fist.
He fisted his opponent during the fight.
💡 Simply: To hit someone with your closed hand.
👶 For kids: When you hit someone with your fist.
More Examples
The child fisted the clay to create a ball.
How It's Used
"He fisted his opponent in the jaw."
Idioms & expressions
fight tooth and nail
To do everything possible to achieve something; to fight fiercely.
"She fought tooth and nail to get the job."
a fistful of dollars
A large amount of money.
"She earned a fistful of dollars after the successful project."
From Middle English fist, from Old English fȳst ('fist'). Related to Old High German fūst, and Proto-Germanic *fūstiz.
The word 'fist' has been used in various contexts throughout history, from physical combat to expressing anger or determination.
Memory tip
Think of clenching your hand tight to hit something or show anger.
Word Origin
"The closed hand."