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

“But we kept an open conversation. I learned a lot from her, like when they’re doing microphones, people would come up to her and grab her chair. It’s like, ‘That’s my body.

From Los Angeles Times

When a robber bent down to grab stolen money, his hoodie rode up to reveal a star tattoo on his lower back — a marking that became a major focus during a trial this month.

From Los Angeles Times

Members would force security guards to the ground at gunpoint, zip-tie them and grab money bags before fleeing, according to law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a welcome time to reencounter “La Cage,” even if the production ultimately delights the senses more than it grabs the heart.

From Los Angeles Times

The comedy video and pretend tattoo, which seem a very long way from anything likely to be published by the royal palaces, are intended to grab attention for this winter's Invictus Games.

From BBC

Related Words

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