First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1grasp
verb \ˈgrasp\
: to take and hold (something) with your fingers, hands, etc.
: to understand (something that is complicated or difficult)
Full Definition of GRASP
intransitive verb
: to make the motion of seizing : clutch
transitive verb
1
: to take or seize eagerly
2
: to clasp or embrace especially with the fingers or arms
3
: to lay hold of with the mind : comprehend
— grasp·able \ˈgras-pə-bəl\ adjective
— grasp·er noun
— grasp at straws
: to reach for or try anything in desperation
— grasp the nettle
: to act boldly
See grasp defined for English-language learners
See grasp defined for kids
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Origin of GRASP
Middle English graspen
Related to GRASP
- Synonyms
- comprehend, know, understand
- Antonyms
- miss
Synonym Discussion of GRASP
take, seize, grasp, clutch, snatch, grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control <take some salad from the bowl>. seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible <seized the suspect>. grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession <grasp the handle and pull>. clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding <clutching her purse>. snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize <snatched a doughnut and ran>. grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch <grabbed roughly by the arm>.
2grasp
noun
: a usually strong hold
: an understanding of something
: the distance that can be reached by your arms and hands
Full Definition of GRASP
3
a : the reach of the arms b : the power of seizing and holding or attaining <success lay within their grasp>
4
: mental hold or comprehension especially when broad <a remarkable grasp of the subject>
See grasp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GRASP
1561
Related to GRASP
- Antonyms
- incomprehension, noncomprehension
GRASPABLE Defined for Kids
1grasp
verb \ˈgrasp\
graspedgrasp·ing
Definition of GRASP for Kids
1
: to seize and hold with or as if with the hand <grasp a bat> <You must grasp the opportunity.>
2
: to make the motion of seizing <She grasped at branches as she fell.>
3
: understand 1 <He quickly grasped the idea.>
2grasp
noun
Definition of GRASP for Kids
1
: a grip of the hand <Keep a firm grasp on the rope.>
3
: the power of seizing and holding : reach <He put the tools beyond the child's grasp.>
4
: 1understanding 1 <She has a good grasp of math.>
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