grasp

1 verb (T)

1 to take and hold something firmly: Make sure you grasp the rope with both hands. | grasp hold of sth: Paula grasped hold of my arm.

2 (not in progressive) to completely understand a fact or an idea, especially a complicated one: They failed to grasp the full significance of his remarks.

3 grasp a chance/opportunity to eagerly and quickly use an opportunity to do something

4 grasp the nettle BrE to deal with an unpleasant situation firmly and without delay

grasp at sth phrasal verb (T)

1 to eagerly try to use an opportunity: He was ready to grasp at any excuse, however flimsy.

2 to try to hold on to something

2 noun (singular)

1 the way you hold something or your ability to hold it: The book slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. | Take a firm grasp on the rope.

2 your ability to understand a complicated idea or situation: a good/poor grasp of: You seem to have a good grasp of the subject. | beyond sb's grasp (=too difficult for them to understand)

3 your ability to achieve or gain something: within sb's grasp: Success is now within our grasp.

4 especially literary control or power