serrer

to squeeze

verb seh-REH Less Common

Also means

to tighten

Usage Note

Serrer means to squeeze, grip, or tighten. Serrer la main (to shake hands) is the standard French greeting in formal or first-meeting contexts. Serrer dans ses bras means to hug someone tightly. Serrer les dents (to grit one's teeth) is a common idiom for enduring hardship.

Examples

"Il lui serre la main chaleureusement."

Natural Translation

He shakes his hand warmly.

Literal Translation

He squeezes his hand warmly.

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