grasp

/ɡræsp/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To seize and hold something firmly with the hands or arms.

    • He grasped the metal handrail as the train lurched forward.

    • Can you grasp the handle tightly while I tighten the screw?

  2. To understand a concept or situation fully.

    • She grasped the basic principles of coding after just a few lessons.

    • Many voters did not fully grasp the long-term impact of the policy.

How it's used

This means “hold firmly”

  • grasp the railing

“grasped it.”

He grasped the railing firmly.

Collocations

  • grasp firmly
  • grasp tightly
  • grasp the concept
  • grasp the significance

Synonyms

  • grip
  • clutch
  • comprehend
  • fathom

Antonyms

Idioms

  • grasp at straws

    to try any desperate measure when facing failure

    With no evidence left, the defense attorney was grasping at straws.

  • grasp the opportunity

    to take a chance eagerly when it comes

    She grasped the opportunity to study abroad.