ergreifen
Translation
to seize, to grasp, to take, to move
Examples
Er ergriff die Gelegenheit.
He seized the opportunity.
Eine tiefe Traurigkeit ergriff sie.
A deep sadness seized her.
Er will den Beruf eines Arztes ergreifen.
He wants to take up the medical profession.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to seize, take (sth.) He seized the opportunity.
((sb.)) to seize, overcome (sb., of an emotion) Fear seized him.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fassen (to grasp), packen (to grab); Antonyms: loslassen (to let go)
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (indicating the start or completion of an action) + 'greifen' (to grip/grasp). It implies 'to take a firm hold of'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'gripping' an opportunity, or an emotion 'gripping' you. The 'er-' prefix intensifies the action.