grab

¹

[ grab ]

verb (used with object)

, grabbed, grab·bing.

1. to seize suddenly or quickly; snatch; clutch:

   He grabbed me by the collar.

   Synonyms: catch, grip, grasp

2. to take illegal possession of; seize forcibly or unscrupulously:

   to grab land.

3. to obtain and consume quickly:

   Let's grab a sandwich before going to the movie.

4. Slang.
   1. to cause a reaction in; affect:

      How does my idea grab you?

   2. to arouse the interest or excitement of:

      The book was O.K., but it just didn't grab me.

verb (used without object)

, grabbed, grab·bing.

1. to make a grasping or clutching motion (usually followed by at ):

   He grabbed frantically at the life preserver.

2. (of brakes, a clutch, etc.) to take hold suddenly or with a jolting motion; catch.

noun

1. a sudden, quick grasp or snatch:

   to make a grab at something.

2. seizure or acquisition by violent or unscrupulous means.
3. something that is grabbed.
4. a mechanical device for gripping objects.
5. the capacity to hold or adhere:

   The glue was so old it had lost its grab.

grab

²

[ grab ]

noun

1. a ship having two or three masts with a square rig, common on the Malabar Coast in the 18th and 19th centuries.

grab

/ ɡræb /

verb

1. to seize hold of (something)
2. tr to seize illegally or unscrupulously
3. tr to arrest; catch
4. intr (of a brake or clutch in a vehicle) to grip and release intermittently causing juddering
5. informal.
   tr to catch the attention or interest of; impress

noun

1. the act or an instance of grabbing
2. a mechanical device for gripping objects, esp the hinged jaws of a mechanical excavator
3. something that is grabbed
4. up for grabs informal.
   available to be bought, claimed, or won

Derived Forms

• ˈgrabber, noun

Other Words From

• grabba·ble adjective
• un·grabbing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grab¹

First recorded in 1580–90; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle Low German grabben, Swedish grabba

Origin of grab²

First recorded in 1670–80; from Arabic ghurāb literally, “raven”

Word History and Origins

Origin of grab¹

C16: probably from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch grabben; related to Swedish grabba, Sanskrit grbhnāti he seizes

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. up for grabs, Informal. available to anyone willing to expend the energy to get it:

   The Republican nomination for mayor was up for grabs.

More idioms and phrases containing grab

In addition to the idiom beginning with grab , also see how does that grab you ; up for grabs .

Example Sentences

Measure G didn’t grab as much attention as others, but the wonky reform package could help Los Angeles County make progress on its jail, homelessness and more.

From Los Angeles Times

The sushi burritos are so good, man; you just grab it and then you can eat at the beach.

From Los Angeles Times

I play guitar sometimes, and if I’m in the mood, I’ll grab my guitar and play.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also foot soldiers in a power grab.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump voters may not have fully agreed with his torrent of hate speech, “Access Hollywood” grab ‘em comments or labeling of fellow Americans as “the enemy within,” but they also weren’t bothered enough by it all to not vote for him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• capture
• catch
• clutch
• grasp
• grip
• seize
• snag
• snatch
• take