fist

A fist is the hand formed by curling the fingers inward toward the palm so that the fingertips and thumb come to rest against each other, creating a compact, rounded shape. The act of making a fist is also referred to as clenching the hand.

In everyday use, a fist helps with grasping and gripping objects. It is also used as a defensive or offensive tool in contact sports and martial arts, where the fist serves as a weapon for punching. Repeated punching with a closed fist can lead to injuries, including fractures of the metacarpal bones, commonly called a boxer's fracture, and chronic joint or tendon problems.

The term also appears in social and symbolic contexts. A raised fist is a well-known symbol of solidarity, resistance, and social movements around the world. The gesture can convey determination or anger depending on the context. A fist bump, in contrast, is a form of informal greeting or acknowledgment that substitutes for a handshake.

Etymology traces the word fist to Old English, with cognates in several Germanic languages such as Dutch vuist and German Faust, reflecting a common Proto-Germanic origin related to a closed hand. The concept appears across cultures in various gestures and phrases associated with power, protection, or confrontation.

In summary, the fist is a common hand configuration with functional and symbolic roles in daily life, sport, medicine, and culture, characterized by the curling of fingers and a thumb across the fingers to form a compact hand shape.