English Explanatory Dictionary

grasp

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To grip; to take hold, particularly with the hand.
  2. To understand.
  3. To take advantage of something, to seize, to jump at a chance.
noun
  1. Grip.
  2. Understanding.
  3. That which is accessible; that which is within one's reach or ability.
name
  1. Acronym of General Responsibility Assignment Software Patterns (or Principles).
  2. Acronym of Gamepedia Rapid Anti-Spam Patrol.

Pronunciation

/ɡɹɑːsp/ /ɡɹasp/ /ɡɹæsp/ /ɡɹæps/ En-us-grasp.ogg

Word forms

grasp grasps grasping grasped no-table-tags glossary graspest graspedst graspeth graps

Etymology

From Middle English graspen, grapsen, craspen (“to grope; feel around”), from Old English *grǣpsian, from Proto-West Germanic *graipisōn, from Proto-Germanic *graipisōną, from Proto-Indo-European *gʰrebʰ- (“to take, seize, rake”), the same ultimate source as grab. Cognate with Saterland Frisian grapsje (“to grab, grasp”), German Low German grapsen (“to grab; grasp”), German grapsen and grapschen, Old English grāpian ("to touch, feel, grasp"; > Modern English grope). Compare also Swedish krafsa (“to scatch; scabble”), Norwegian krafse (“to scramble”).

Synonyms

grip hold tight beclasp begrasp begrip belock clench clinch cling clutch enclasp fang fondle glaum grab grabble grasp hang on hold on hold nab nim seize stranglehold take clasp comprehend fathom jump at the chance jump on

Antonyms

let go release

Related words

grab grapple grave groove grovel capture

Derived words

a drowning man will grasp at a straw a drowning man will grasp at straws begrasp engrasp foregrasp graspability graspable grasp at a straw grasp at straws grasper grasp for straws grasp the nettle ungrasp misgrasp regrasp beyond someone's grasp graspful graspless handgrasp light grasp tripod grasp
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