grip
Pronunciation: (grip), [key] — n., v., gripped gript, grip•ping.
—n. - the act of grasping; a seizing and holding fast; firm grasp.
- the power of gripping: He has a strong grip.
- a grasp, hold, or control.
- mental or intellectual hold: to have a good grip on a problem.
- competence or firmness in dealing with situations in one's work or personal affairs: The boss is old and is losing his grip.
- a special mode of clasping hands: Members of the club use the secret grip.
- something that seizes and holds, as a clutching device on a cable car.
- a handle or hilt: That knife has a very unusual grip.
- a sudden, sharp pain; spasm of pain.
- grippe.
- a small traveling bag.
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- Theat.a stagehand, esp. one who works on the stage floor.
- Motion Pictures,Television.a general assistant available on a film set for shifting scenery, moving furniture, etc.
- She had never come to grips with such a situation before.
- to encounter; meet; cope with:She had never come to grips with such a situation before.
- to deal with directly or firmly:We didn't come to grips with the real problem.
—v.t. - to grasp or seize firmly; hold fast: We gripped the sides of the boat as the waves tossed us about.
- to take hold on; hold the interest of: to grip the mind.
- to attach by a grip or clutch.
—v.i. - to take firm hold; hold fast.
- to take hold on the mind.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.