Grip
/ɡrɪp/
Definitions
5 meaningsA firm hold; a secure grasp.
/ɡrɪp/
A firm hold or grasp.
He had a strong grip on the rope.
💡 Simply: Think about holding onto something tightly, like when you're on a roller coaster. That strong hold is your grip!
👶 For kids: When you hold something tight, like a toy, that's your grip!
More Examples
The dog's grip on the bone was unbreakable.
A good grip on the steering wheel is crucial for safety.
How It's Used
"The baseball player adjusted his grip on the bat."
"She maintained a firm grip on the railing as she climbed the stairs."
Control or influence; a position of dominance.
/ɡrɪp/
The power of control or influence.
The teacher struggled to maintain her grip on the unruly class.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in charge of a game, and everyone follows your rules. Your grip is your ability to control the game!
👶 For kids: When you're the boss and tell others what to do, you have a grip on things!
More Examples
The corporation's grip on the industry was weakening.
He had a firm grip on reality.
How It's Used
"The new government tightened its grip on power."
"The company lost its grip on the market."
A particular way of holding something.
/ɡrɪp/
A style or method of holding something.
The golfer adjusted his grip for a better swing.
💡 Simply: Think about how you hold a pencil or a sports equipment like a racket. That's your grip style!
👶 For kids: How you hold something, like a pencil or a crayon, is called your grip!
More Examples
She preferred a loose grip on the reins.
Different grips are suitable for different situations.
How It's Used
"He uses an overhand grip when he throws the ball."
"The artist's grip on the brush influenced the style of painting."
To seize and hold firmly; to grasp.
/ɡrɪp/
To take and keep a firm hold of.
She gripped his arm to steady herself.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a balloon and you don't want to let it go. You're gripping it! It's like holding on tight.
👶 For kids: To hold something tightly, like when you hug a teddy bear, is called to grip!
More Examples
The mountain climber gripped the rock face.
The audience was gripped by the suspense of the movie.
How It's Used
"He gripped the railing tightly."
"The story gripped her attention."
To capture and hold the attention or interest of.
/ɡrɪp/
To affect or hold the attention or interest of.
The drama series gripped millions of viewers.
💡 Simply: Imagine a story that's so interesting you can't stop reading it. The story is gripping you!
👶 For kids: When something is really interesting and keeps you watching or reading, it's gripping!
More Examples
The economic crisis gripped the nation with fear.
The movie's suspenseful plot gripped the audience.
How It's Used
"The mystery novel gripped the reader from the first page."
"Fear gripped her."
Idioms & expressions
lose one's grip
To lose control or influence; to become unable to cope.
"The company lost its grip on the market."
get a grip
To regain control of one's emotions or behavior; to become composed.
"He needed to get a grip and finish the project."
to have a grip on
to control something or understand something
"He has a good grip on the market."
From Middle English gripen, from Old English gripan ('to grasp, seize').
The word 'grip' has been used since Old English with the primary meaning of grasping or holding. Its figurative use, meaning control or influence, developed over time.
Memory tip
Imagine you're holding a heavy box; your grip is how firmly you hold it.