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grasp
- pronunciation:
- graesp
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
grasped, grasping, grasps |
| definition 1: |
to take hold of with or as with a hand.
She grasped the rope and pulled herself up.- synonyms:
- clutch, grip
- antonyms:
- release
- similar words:
- catch, clasp, grab, nab, snatch, take
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| definition 2: |
to keep a secure hold on.
The child grasped his mother's hand more tightly.- synonyms:
- clasp, clutch, grip
- antonyms:
- let go
- similar words:
- clench, hold
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| definition 3: |
to take hold of mentally; understand.
The detective immediately grasped the importance of this new evidence.Dazed, he could not grasp her meaning.- synonyms:
- apprehend, catch, comprehend, follow, get, perceive, seize, understand
- similar words:
- compass, fathom, savvy, see
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| related words: |
absorb, embrace, learn, master, penetrate, pick up, pluck, possess, procure, reach, realize, retain, seize, sense, shake, snap |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to try to seize; make a clutching movement; attempt to secure (often fol. by for or at).
She grasped at the child's sleeve.He grasped for an excuse for his behavior.- synonyms:
- grab, snatch
- similar words:
- clutch, pluck, pounce, reach, seize
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| related words: |
bite, grip |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an act of seizing or taking hold.
The party's grasp of power was a complete success.- synonyms:
- clasp, grip
- similar words:
- catch, clench, clutch, grab, grapple, hold, take
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| definition 2: |
a grip on or possession of something.
The child struggled to escape the stranger's grasp.He felt in the grasp of a powerful emotion.- synonyms:
- clutch, grip, hold
- similar words:
- catch, clasp, possession
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| definition 3: |
the hands or arms, while holding or trying to hold something.
He held in his grasp a sack of diamonds.- similar words:
- arms, grip, hands
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| definition 4: |
the power of holding, controlling, mastering, or comprehending.
The politician held the audience in his grasp.She has a good grasp of the concepts of mathematics.- synonyms:
- comprehension, familiarity, knowledge, mastery
- similar words:
- catch, clutches, cognizance, command, control, grip, hold, possession, sway, understanding
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| related words: |
apprehension, bite, clench, clutch, familiarity, intimacy, lock, mastery, perception |
| derivations: |
graspable (adj.), grasper (n.) |
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