vuist

Vuist is the Dutch term for a closed hand formed by curling the fingers into the palm and pressing the thumb over the fingers, producing a compact, rigid grip. In anatomical terms, a fist is produced when the bones of the hand are flexed, and the knuckles—the joints at the base of the fingers—become prominent.

The primary function of a fist is to grip objects securely; in action, the fist can be used for striking, gripping, or signaling. In boxing and martial arts, punching is typically aimed with the first two or three knuckles. Variants exist, such as the hammer fist, which uses the bottom edge of the closed fist to strike.

The term vuist is cognate with the English fist and the German Faust, sharing a common Proto-Germanic origin. The fist is widely used as a symbol of strength or resistance, such as a raised fist in political or social contexts, and appears in popular culture as a sign of solidarity. A fist bump is a casual social greeting.

In everyday life, a clenched fist is involved in activities such as gripping tools, lifting objects, or resisting, but improper technique can cause injuries to the fingers, thumb, or wrist. Safety and conditioning are emphasized in sports training to prevent strains or fractures.

See also: fist bump, boxing, martial arts, raised fist, grip.