Definition of "clampdown"

clampdown

noun
plural clampdowns
1. A sudden repressive or punitive restriction or control
  Quotations
  The suspension of the writ of habeas corpus is merely one step towards the imposition of martial law, toward a total clampdown on all forms of peaceful struggle for meaningful change.
  1945, Earl Browder, Political Affairs
  There is already in the EU a clamour for barriers against competing products from Eastern Europe and Asia, and for a Europe-wide clampdown on 'aliens'.
  1994, Vincent Cable, The World's New Fissures: Identities in Crisis
  Will there be any further restrictions on travel?Only if the Government imposes them, although it seems unlikely that any further clampdowns will be made on domestic rail travel in case it risks the movement of key workers and essential goods at this critical time. [...]
  2020 April 8, “Network News: COVID-19: Questions and Answers”, in Rail, page 11