Definition of "grip" in English

verb

1. (transitive or intransitive) To take hold (of), particularly with the hand.

   • That suitcase is heavy, so grip the handle firmly.
   • Unfortunately the glue didn't grip, and the whole thing came apart.
   • After a few slips, the tires gripped the pavement.
   • "Grip tightly on the rope!" — "I'm gripping! I'm gripping!"

2. (transitive) To figuratively take hold of or grasp.

   • We need to grip this problem, not shut our eyes and hope it goes away.

3. (transitive) Of an emotion or situation: to have a strong effect upon.

   • As the water level began to rise, I was gripped by panic.

4. (transitive) To firmly hold the attention of.

   • The movie gripped me from beginning to end.

noun

1. A hold or way of holding, particularly with the hand.

   • It's good to have a firm grip when shaking hands.
   • The ball will move differently depending on the grip used when throwing it.

2. (uncountable) Ability to resist slippage when pressed in contact with another object or surface.

   • These tyres are worn out and don't have much grip.

3. A place to grip; a handle; the portion of a handle that the hand occupies.

   • Near-synonym: handgrip
   • There are several good grips on the northern face of this rock.
   • The grip of a sword is part of its hilt.

4. A device, or a portion of one, that grasps or holds fast to something.

   • The unthreaded portion of the bolt's shank is called the grip.

5. (figurative) Assistance; help; encouragement.

   • He gave me a grip.

6. (figurative) Someone who is helpful, interesting, admirable, or inspiring.

   • You're a real grip.

7. (figurative) Control, power, or mastery over someone or something; a tenacious grasp; a holding fast.

   • We need to get a grip on these spiralling costs.
   • in the grip of a blackmailer
   • to strengthen one's grip on a company

8. (figurative) Mental grasp.

   • He's losing his grip – he's practically senile.
   • For God's sake man, stop panicking and get a grip of yourself!

9. A medium-sized bag or holdall for one's belongings, made of soft leather, canvas etc., and carried in the hand by two handles, one either side of the opening.