grasp

grasp¹ [gra:sp US græsp] v [T]

1.) to take and hold something firmly

= ↑grip

▪ I grasped his arm firmly and led him away.

▪ Alan grasped the handle and pulled it.

2.) [not in progressive]

to completely understand a fact or an idea, especially a complicated one

▪ At that time, we did not fully grasp the significance of what had happened.

▪ Some people find the idea of relativity difficult to grasp.

grasp what/how etc

▪ A short opening paragraph enables the reader to quickly grasp what the article is about.

grasp that

▪ Nick had grasped that something was wrong.

3.) grasp an opportunity

to eagerly and quickly use an opportunity to do something

▪ She is ready to grasp any opportunity to expand the business.

4.) grasp the nettle

BrE to deal with an unpleasant situation firmly and without delay

▪ We need to grasp the nettle of prison reform.

grasp at [grasp at sth] phr v

to try to hold on to something

▪ His foot slipped and he grasped at the top of the wall.

grasp ²

grasp² n [singular]

1.) the way you hold something or your ability to hold it

= ↑grip

▪ Luke took her arm in a firm grasp and led her through the gate.

▪ He had allowed the ball to slip from his grasp.

2.) your ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject

= ↑understanding grasp of

▪ Her grasp of the issues was impressive.

a good/firm/thorough etc grasp of sth

▪ Steve has a good grasp of the European legal system.

grasp on

▪ After two months, his grasp on the subject was improving.

3.) your ability to achieve or gain something

within sb's grasp

▪ An agreement to end the war seemed within their grasp.

beyond sb's grasp

▪ Many families with children are finding suitable housing beyond their grasp.

4.) literary control or power

▪ The king was determined not to let Scotland slip from his grasp.