grip
Translation
to hold tightly, to grasp, to captivate
Examples
He gripped the steering wheel tightly.
He gripped the steering wheel tightly.
The story gripped the nation's attention.
The story gripped the nation's attention.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to hold (sth.) tightly He gripped the steering wheel tightly.
((sb./sth.)) to hold the attention of (sb./sth.) The story gripped the nation's attention.
Similar Words
Synonyms: grasp, clutch, hold; Antonyms: release, let go
Etymology
From Old English 'grīpan', meaning 'to grasp'.
Memory Tips
Think of a tool called a 'gripper' which is used for gripping things. The noun 'grip' also means a hold.