verb
grip
GRIHP
verb
1
To take hold of something firmly, especially with the hand.
"She gripped the steering wheel tightly during the storm."
"He gripped the rope as he climbed."
2
To hold someone's attention or emotions powerfully.
"The film gripped audiences from the very first scene."
noun
1
A firm hold, or the strength of one's hold on something.
"He had a strong grip when they shook hands."
How to Use Grip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold something tightly, or the tightness/strength of a hold — also used figuratively for something that fully captures your attention.
Common pairings
a firm grip
grip the wheel
grip someone's attention
lose your grip
Word Forms
gripped past tense, gripped past tense, grips plural, grips singular, grips singular
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He had a strong _____ when they shook hands.
Etymology
From Old English gripan, related to "gripe," both tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to grab or grasp."