pinch pinch /ˈpɪntʃ/

noun

1. The act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal)  ( apprehension , catch , collar [Informal] , arrest , pinch , taking into custody )
   the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal)
    The policeman on the beat got credit for the collar
   the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar
   
2. A squeeze with the fingers  ( pinch , tweak )
   a squeeze with the fingers
   
3. A small sharp bite or snip  ( nip , pinch )
   a small sharp bite or snip
   
4. A sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action  ( exigency , pinch , emergency )
   a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
    He never knew what to do in an emergency
   he never knew what to do in an emergency
   
   
5. A slight but appreciable amount  ( hint , jot , pinch , mite , soupcon , speck , tinge , touch , soupçon )
   a slight but appreciable amount
    This dish could use a touch of garlic
   this dish could use a touch of garlic
   
6. An injury resulting from getting some body part squeezed  ( pinch )
   an injury resulting from getting some body part squeezed
   
7. A painful or straitened circumstance  ( pinch )
   a painful or straitened circumstance
    The pinch of the recession
   the pinch of the recession
   

verb

1. () Squeeze tightly between the fingers  ( squeeze , tweet , twinge , nip , pinch , twitch )
   squeeze tightly between the fingers
    He pinched her behind
   He pinched her behind
    She squeezed the bottle
   She squeezed the bottle
   
2. () Make ridges into by pinching together  ( crimp , pinch )
   make ridges into by pinching together
   
3. Irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear  ( pinch , vellicate )
   irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear
    Smooth surfaces can vellicate the teeth
   smooth surfaces can vellicate the teeth
    The pain is as if sharp points pinch your back
   the pain is as if sharp points pinch your back
   
4. Cut the top off  ( pinch , top )
   cut the top off
    Top trees and bushes
   top trees and bushes
   
5. Make off with belongings of others  ( cabbage , filch , hook , abstract , nobble , pinch , snarf , sneak , swipe , lift , pilfer , purloin )
   make off with belongings of others