- grab
-
grab1
—grabbable, adj./grab/, v., grabbed, grabbing, n.v.t.1. to seize suddenly or quickly; snatch; clutch: He grabbed me by the collar.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.a. to cause a reaction in; affect: How does my idea grab you?b. to arouse the interest or excitement of: The book was O.K., but it just didn't grab me.v.i.5. to make a grasping or clutching motion (usually fol. by at): He grabbed frantically at the life preserver.6. (of brakes, a clutch, etc.) to take hold suddenly or with a jolting motion; bind.n.7. a sudden, quick grasp or snatch: to make a grab at something.8. seizure or acquisition by violent or unscrupulous means.9. something that is grabbed.10. a mechanical device for gripping objects.11. the capacity to hold or adhere: The glue was so old it had lost its grab.12. up for grabs, Informal. available to anyone willing to expend the energy to get it: The Republican nomination for mayor was up for grabs.[1580-90; c. MD, MLG grabben, Sw grabba]Syn. 1. grasp, grip, catch.grab2/grab/, n.an Oriental ship having two or three masts with a square rig.[1670-80; < Ar ghurab lit., raven]
* * *
Universalium. 2010.