claw

I UK [klɔː] / US [klɔ] noun [countable]
Word forms "claw":
singular claw plural claws

1) [usually plural] the sharp curved end of a front leg of a sea creature such as a crab that it uses for holding things

2) [usually plural] the sharp curved part at the end of some animals' toes, for example a cat

3) a curved end on a tool or machine, used for pulling or picking things up

•

- get your claws into someone

II UK [klɔː] / US [klɔ] verb
Word forms "claw":
present tense I/you/we/they claw he/she/it claws present participle clawing past tense clawed past participle clawed

1)

a) [intransitive/transitive] to attack someone, or to try to cut or tear something using claws

The bear had clawed the tree trunk to shreds.

claw at:

You could hear the dog clawing at the door.

b) [intransitive/transitive] to attack someone, or to try to cut or tear something using your fingernails

She clawed his left cheek with her long red nails.

claw at:

His bony fingers clawed at my face.

2) [intransitive] to try to take hold of something with your hands

claw at:

The children were clawing at my trouser legs.

•

claw your way out of something/to something/back etc — to reach a particular place, situation, or state, as a result of great effort or despite great difficulties or opposition

The West Indians had clawed their way back into the match.

Phrasal verbs:

- claw back