pinch. 1. to squeeze or compress between the finger and thumb, the jaws of an instrument, or the like. 2. to constrict or squeeze painfully, as a tight shoe does. 3. to render unnaturally constricted or drawn: a face pinched with fear. 4. to remove or shorten (buds or shoots) in order to produce a certain plant shape or to encourage growth. 5. to affect with sharp discomfort or distress, as cold, hunger, or need does.