Closefisted

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not willing to spend money or share resources, showing stinginess or reluctance to give
2. Characterized by a reluctance to provide funds or help, often seen as miserly behavior
3. Describes a person who is very reluctant to part with money or possessions, often appearing ungenerous

Etymology: "Closefisted" is a plain compound, built from "close" in its sense of tight or stingy and "fisted," an adjective formed from "fist." The image is of a hand kept clenched so that nothing slips out of it, which is why the word describes someone who holds on to money rather than letting it go. The two halves are old English, and the combination carries the same picture as several related words. "Close" in this sense means restrained or grudging with what one has, and "fisted" adds the physical gesture of a closed hand. Together they turn a body posture into a judgement of character, a pattern English uses in many compounds of this kind.

Synonyms: stingy, miserly, tightfisted

Antonyms: generous, openhanded