grab

1 verb grabbed, grabbing (T)

1 WITH YOUR HAND to take hold of someone or something with a sudden or violent movement: The policeman grabbed his shoulder. | grab sth from sb: I managed to grab the gun from Bowen. | grab hold of: Kay grabbed hold of my arm to stop herself falling.

2 FOOD/SLEEP informal to get some food or sleep quickly because you are busy: I managed to grab an hour's sleep this afternoon. | grab a bite to eat: Let's grab a bite to eat before we go.

3 GET STH FOR YOURSELF to take something for yourself, especially in an unfair way: Bob tried to grab the profit for himself. | Try to get there early and grab a seat.

4 how does sth grab you? spoken used to ask someone if they would be interested in doing a particular thing: How does the idea of a trip to Spain grab you?

5 grab a chance/opportunity informal to take the opportunity to do or have something immediately: Grab your chance to travel while you're still young!

grab at phrasal verb (T)

1 to quickly and suddenly put out your hand in order to take hold of something: Donny hid behind his mother, grabbing at her skirt.

2 to immediately try to take an opportunity that someone offers you: Melanie grabs at every invitation that comes her way.

2 noun

1 make a grab for/at to suddenly try to take hold of something: I made a grab for the revolver.

2 be up for grabs informal if a job, prize, opportunity etc is up for grabs, it is available for anyone who wants to try to have it

3 (C) a piece of machinery used for taking hold of things