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grasp

grasp [ grasp ]


verb  (past and past participle grasped, present participle grasp·ing, 3rd person present singular grasps)
Definition:
 
1. transitive verb take hold of somebody or something: to take hold of somebody or something firmly, especially with the hand

2. intransitive verb try to take hold of something: to attempt to take hold of somebody or something, especially with the hand
He grasped at the rope.

3. transitive verb hold somebody or something: to hold somebody or something, especially in the hand

4. transitive verb take opportunity: to take the opportunity to do something

5. intransitive verb try to take opportunity: to attempt to take the opportunity to do something

6. transitive verb understand something: to manage to understand something
I just can't grasp what you're getting at.



noun 
Definition:
 
1. hold on something: a hold or grip on something or somebody, especially with the hand
A gust of wind snatched the umbrella from his grasp.

2. understanding: an understanding of or ability to understand something
a poor grasp of the facts

3. ability to do something: the ability to do something
Success was within her grasp.

4. control: power or control
in the tyrant's grasp

[14th century. Origin ?]

grasp·a·ble adjective
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