grip

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To hold something tightly with your hand.

   I gripped the railing as the boat rocked.

2. 2
   noun

   A firm hold, especially with the hand.

   He has a strong grip when shaking hands.

3. 3
   verb

   To hold someone's attention completely.

   The film gripped me from start to finish.

4. 4
   verb

   To have a strong effect on someone, especially an emotion or situation.

   As the water rose, panic gripped the crowd.

5. 5
   noun

   An understanding or control of something.

   She has a good grip on the subject.

Verb from Middle English grippen, from Old English grippan, from a Proto-Germanic *gripjaną (compare Old High German gripfen); compare the related Old English grīpan, whence English gripe. See also grope, and the related Proto-Germanic *grīpaną. Noun from Middle English grippe, gripe, an amalgam of Old English gripe (“grasp, hold”) (cognate with German Griff) and Old English gripa (“handful”) (cognate with Swedish grepp).

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