Crossword Dictionary

CLAMP DOWN

clamp down, crack down - v 
repress or suppress (something regarded as undesirable); "The police clamped down on illegal drugs"

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Synonyms

crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress

merriam-webster

Examples

“Cleveland Police launched a clampdown on air guns after a spate of shootings.”

“Tuesday, April 25, 2006 A major clampdown targeting people attempting to smuggle drugs into HMP Leeds is enjoying continued success.”

“Drivers who tamper with car number plates are likely to face prosecution in a new clampdown.”

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Etymology

also clampdown, 1940 in the figurative sense "a firm, oppressive or harsh suppression or preventive action," from verbal phrase clamp down "use pressure to keep down" (1924). The verbal phrase in the figurative sense is recorded from 1941. See clamp (v.) + down (adv.).

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