grip /ɡrɪp/

Origin

From Old English gripe, from Proto-Germanic gripiz, related to grīpan (to seize)

Part of Speech

noun, verb

Meanings

Noun

1. A firm hold or grasp
   • She maintained a tight grip on the steering wheel
2. The ability to hold firmly
   • The shoes provide good grip on wet surfaces
3. Control or understanding of something
   • He has a good grip on the situation
4. A handle or way of grasping something
   • The tennis racket has a comfortable grip

Verb

1. To grasp or hold firmly
   • He gripped my hand and shook it vigorously
2. To hold attention or interest strongly
   • The story gripped readers from start to finish

Word Forms

• gripped (past tense)
• gripping (present participle)
• grips (third person singular)

Synonyms

• grasp
• hold
• clutch
• seize
• clasp
• clinch

Related Words

• gripper (noun): device that grips
• gripping (adjective): very interesting or exciting

Memory Tricks

1. Think "G.R.I.P":

   • Grasp
   • Really
   • Intensely and
   • Powerfully

2. Visualize someone gripping a rope to climb - it requires a firm, strong hold, which represents the core meaning of the word.

Common Phrases

• "get a grip" (regain control of emotions)
• "come to grips with" (deal with effectively)
• "in the grip of" (under the strong influence of)