grasp

/græsp/

/grɑsp/

Other forms: grasped; grasping; grasps

To grasp is to get a hold of something, literally or figuratively. Grasp the grammar textbook with both hands and then read it to grasp the rules of the English language.

It makes sense that the word grasp means understanding a concept since you are "getting a hold of an idea" just as you would grasp something tangible to hold. Grasp is good for when you're talking about comprehending the scale of something, or the full picture of a multi-faceted problem or idea. You might know that there is going to be a heat wave, but you may not grasp the idea of its relationship to global warming.

Definitions of grasp

1. verb

   hold firmly
   synonyms: hold on

   types:

   latch on

   take hold of or attach to

   cling, hang

   hold on tightly or tenaciously

   clasp

   hold firmly and tightly

   bosom, embrace, hug, squeeze

   squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness

   type of:

   hold, take hold

   have or hold in one's hands or grip
2. verb

   get the meaning of something
   synonyms: apprehend, compass, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grok, savvy

   types:

   figure

   understand

   catch on, cotton on, get it, get onto, get wise, latch on, tumble, twig

   understand, usually after some initial difficulty

   intuit

   know or grasp by intuition or feeling

   digest, process

   arrange and integrate in the mind

   type of:

   understand

   know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
3. noun

   understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
   “he has a good grasp of accounting practices”

   synonyms: appreciation, hold

   types:

   sense

   a natural appreciation or ability

   type of:

   apprehension, discernment, savvy, understanding

   the cognitive condition of someone who understands
4. noun

   an intellectual hold or understanding
   “a terrible power had her in its grasp”

   synonyms: grip

   types:

   tentacle

   something that acts like a tentacle in its ability to grasp and hold

   type of:

   influence

   a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
5. noun

   the limit of capability
   synonyms: compass, range, reach

   types:

   ken, sight

   the range of vision

   type of:

   capability, capableness, potentiality

   an aptitude that may be developed
6. noun

   the act of grasping
   synonyms: clasp, clench, clutch, clutches, grip, hold

   types:

   choke hold, chokehold

   a restraining hold; someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind

   embrace, embracement, embracing

   the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)

   wrestling hold

   a hold used in the sport of wrestling

   cuddle, nestle, snuggle

   a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace

   clinch, hug, squeeze

   a tight or amorous embrace

   bear hug

   a wrestling hold with arms locked tightly around the opponent

   nelson

   any of several wrestling holds in which an arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand exerts pressure on the back of the neck

   Japanese stranglehold

   a wrestling hold in which the opponent's arms are crossed in front of his own neck to exert pressure on his windpipe

   lock

   any wrestling hold in which some part of the opponent's body is twisted or pressured

   scissor grip, scissor hold, scissors, scissors grip, scissors hold

   a wrestling hold in which you wrap your legs around the opponents body or head and put your feet together and squeeze

   stranglehold

   a wrestling hold in which the arms are pressed against the opponent's windpipe

   toehold

   a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints

   type of:

   grasping, prehension, seizing, taking hold

   the act of gripping something firmly with the hands (or the tentacles)