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
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Origin of GRASP

Middle English graspen
First Known Use: 14th century

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>.

Rhymes with GRASP

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

1
a :  handle
b :  embrace
2
:  hold, control
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>

First Known Use of GRASP

1561
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.>
2
:  2control 1, hold <The land was in the grasp of a tyrant.>
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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Next Word in the Dictionary: graspingPrevious Word in the Dictionary: GRASAll Words Near: grasp
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