grip

1 noun

1 FIRM HOLD (countable usually singular) the way you hold something tightly or your ability to do this: Don't loosen your grip on the rope or you'll fall.

2 POWER (singular) power and control over someone or something: have a grip on sth: The chancellor doesn't seem to have a very firm grip on the economy.

3 come/get to grips with to understand and deal with a difficult problem or situation: I've never really got to grips with this new technology.

4 lose your grip to become less confident and less able to deal with a situation: I handled that interview very badly - I must be losing my grip.

5 get/keep a grip on yourself to start controlling your emotions when you have been very upset: Stop being hysterical and get a grip on yourself.

6 be in the grip of to be experiencing a very unpleasant situation that cannot be controlled or stopped: a country in the grip of famine

7 STOP STH SLIPPING (C)

a) a special part of a handle that has a rough surface so that you can hold it firmly without it slipping: a racquet with a rubber grip

b) the ability of something to stay on a surface without slipping: I want some tennis shoes with a good grip.

8 FOR HAIR (C) BrE a hairgrip

9 CAMERAMAN (C) someone whose job is to move the cameras around while a television show or film is being made

10 BAG (C) old-fashioned a bag or case used for travelling

2 verb gripped, gripping

1 (I, T) to hold something very tightly: I gripped the handrail tightly and tried not to look down.

2 (T) to have a strong effect on someone or something: a country gripped by economic problems | Panic suddenly gripped me when it was my turn to speak.

3 (T) to hold someone's attention and interest: a story that really grips you

4 (T) if something grips a surface, it stays on it without slipping: Radial tires grip the road well.

—see also: gripping