grab

¹

[grab]

verb (used with object)

grabbed, grabbing 

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, grabbing 

1. to make a grasping or clutching motion (usually followed byat ).

   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. informal,  available to be bought, claimed, or won

Other Word Forms

• grabbable adjective
• ungrabbing adjective
• grabber noun

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, 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

• how does that grab you
• up for grabs

Example Sentences

"I grabbed the children and ran with them over there, where it's safer. We sat there praying to God that it would be OK. The children were terrified."

From BBC

It came after a speech packed with new policies aimed at grabbing political attention and setting out clear dividing lines with her opponents.

From BBC

“They put their knife on me and they grabbed my bag, and they took all of my stuff and all of my jewelry,” he told the news service.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s only a matter of time before somebody grabs the ax to use on someone else before their own blood has dried from its blade.

From Salon

Eight amateurs will qualify through events in each state and territory for the 2026 tournament, while an extra two spots will be up for grabs during the opening week, which starts on Monday, 12 January.

From BBC

Related Words

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