grip

1 of 2

verb

ˈgrip 

gripped; gripping

transitive verb

1

: to seize or hold firmly

gripped the door handle

2

: to hold the interest of strongly

a story that grips the reader

gripper noun

grip

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a strong or tenacious grasp

had a good grip on the tennis racket

b

: strength in gripping

c

: manner or style of gripping

the balanced grip of an expert golfer

2

a

: a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding

has the country in his grip

b

: mental grasp

can't seem to get a grip on [=gain a good understanding of] calculus

… I'm curious to see if preteens have a grip on this fairly sophisticated concept.

—John Hoffman

3

: a part or device for gripping

4

: a part by which something is grasped

especially : handle

5

: suitcase

6

a

: a stage worker who handles scenery, properties, or lights : stagehand

b

: a technician on a movie or television set who handles and maintains equipment (such as cameras and their dollies and cranes)

Synonyms

Verb

• clench
• cling (to)
• clutch
• hold

Noun

• carry-on
• carryall
• handbag
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag
• wallet

Examples of grip in a Sentence

Verb

The little boy gripped his mother's hand tightly.

I gripped the door handle and pulled as hard as I could.

The story really grips the reader.

The scandal has gripped the nation.

Noun

His tennis instructor showed him the proper backhand grip.

a golfer with an incorrect grip

He has been doing all he can to maintain his grip on the company's finances.

I need new grips for my golf clubs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Ramses Frías, a local Queens activist who’s voiced concerns over a crime crisis gripping his neighborhood, which is partially represented by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said the raids have also been warmly received by the community. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

Under Maduro – in office since 2013 – oil-rich Venezuela has fallen into a deep economic and political crisis, gripped by hyperinflation. —Alejandra Jaramillo and Chris Lau, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025

Noun

The grandmother, haunted by eerie visions and deepening fears, becomes more distant, while the children’s grip on reality begins to unravel. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025

The durable rubber outsole provides ample grip underfoot, and holds up well to everyday wear and tear. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English grippen, from Old English grippan; akin to Old English grīpan

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing grip

• death grip
• get a grip on
• have a grip
• key grip
• loosen one's grip/hold
• lose one's grip
• losing his grip on reality
• pistol grip

Kids Definition

grip

1 of 2 verb

ˈgrip 

gripped; gripping

1

: to seize firmly

2

: to hold strongly the interest of

the story grips the reader

grip

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a firm grasp

b

: strength in gripping

c

: a way of clasping the hand by which members of a secret society recognize or greet one another

2

a

: a firm hold giving control

in the grip of winter

b

: comprehension sense 3, understanding

3

: a part or device for gripping or by which something is grasped

especially : handle entry 1 sense 1

4

: suitcase