Fist

A fist is the shape your hand makes when you bend your fingers inward against your palm and hold them tightly together. This is called making or clenching a fist. You fold your fingers into the center of your palm and then place your thumb over the middle part of your hand.

There is also an "open" fist, where you hold your thumb against the side of your index finger instead of wrapping it around your fingers. People use a closed fist to punch or hit a surface with the lower part of their fingers, or to tap with the side of their hand near the little finger. An open fist is used to tap gently with the middle knuckle of the middle finger.

In some English-speaking areas, people may call a fist a "nieve" or a "neef."

Physiology and neurology

Humans are unique among primates in how they can make a fist. While most primates have long palms and fingers with short thumbs, humans have the opposite, which allows us to clench our fists easily.

Some research suggests that clenching a fist can help people remember information. Additionally, making a fist can help people deal with stress or anxiety by keeping their mind focused on the muscle movement.

Boxing

In boxing and other martial arts like karate, kung fu, and taekwondo, learning how to make a fist properly is very important for punching and striking. Many people do not form their fists correctly, which can lead to injuries such as bruising or breaking small bones in the hand, known as a Boxer's fracture. This injury usually happens to the bones near the pinky and ring finger and is common among boxers and martial artists.

Other uses

The raised fist is a sign that stands for standing up for what you believe in and working together.

Some things that use the word "fist" in their name include a special greeting called the fist bump.