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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