grasp

1 of 2

verb

ˈgrasp 

grasped; grasping; grasps

intransitive verb

: to make the motion of seizing : clutch

grasping for support

transitive verb

1

: to take or seize eagerly

grasp the opportunity for advancement

2

: to clasp or embrace especially with the fingers or arms

grasped the pen and began writing

3

: to lay hold of with the mind : comprehend

failed to grasp the danger of the situation

graspable

ˈgra-spə-bəl 

adjective

grasper noun

grasp

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: handle

b

: embrace

2

: hold, control

kept a firm grasp on the rope

3

a

: the reach of the arms

The books on the top shelf were beyond my grasp.

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

Phrases

grasp at straws

: to reach for or try anything in desperation

grasp the nettle

: to act boldly

Synonyms

Verb

• comprehend
• know
• understand

Noun

• control
• hand(s)

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of grasp in a Sentence

Verb

I grasped the end of the rope and pulled as hard as I could.

I grasped the rope by its end.

His arthritis is so bad he can barely grasp a pencil.

Noun

The author shows a weak grasp of military strategy.

The books on the top shelf are just beyond my grasp.

She moved the toy to within the baby's grasp.

She felt the solution was within her grasp.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Much more data is needed to fully grasp the scope of their movements and ecological importance. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Bend at the hips and knees, and grasp the barbell with both hands. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Noun

Seabright assures us that Grace has a solid grasp of her finances and explains that there is an economic logic to this. —Christian Stadler, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The data once again shows how housing was more easily in the grasp of middle-class Austin earners decades ago. —Sami Sparber, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English graspen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing grasp

• beyond someone's grasp
• elude someone's grasp
• get a grasp on
• grasp at
• grasp for
• within someone's grasp

Kids Definition

grasp

1 of 2 verb

ˈgrasp 

1

: to make the motion of seizing : clutch

grasp at straws

2

: to clasp or embrace with or as if with the fingers or arms

3

: to lay hold of with the mind : comprehend

failed to grasp its importance

graspable

ˈgras-pə-bəl 

adjective

grasper noun

grasp

2 of 2 noun

1

: embrace entry 2

2

: control entry 2 sense 1, hold

land in the grasp of a tyrant

3

a

: the reach of the arms

the tree limb was beyond my grasp

b

: the power of seizing and holding

success lies within their grasp

4

: comprehension sense 3, understanding