Grabbing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when taking something quickly or forcefully, often with a sense of urgency.

• He was grabbing handfuls of cookies from the jar
• She kept grabbing his arm to get his attention

Used when taking hold of something suddenly and with force, often with authority or control. It can also imply capturing or taking possession of something.

• The police were able to seize the stolen property
• He seized the opportunity to speak to the manager

Used when taking something quickly or eagerly, often implying stealth or aggressiveness. This word often has a negative connotation.

• She managed to snatch the book from the counter before anyone else could
• The thief snatched her purse and ran away

Used when holding something firmly with your hands or understanding a concept clearly.

• She tried to grasp the slippery fish
• He grasped the idea very quickly

Used when taking something quickly or suddenly, often without permission.

• The child was grabbing candy from the jar
• He kept grabbing at everything he saw

Refers to taking control of something by force or official order, or a medical condition where someone has convulsions.

• The police made the seizure of illegal drugs
• He has a history of epilepsy and once had a seizure during class

Means taking something quickly, often by force or stealing. It has a negative connotation.

• The thief tried to snatch her purse
• He managed to snatch a few hours of sleep before his flight

Implies holding something firmly, often with effort or understanding a concept deeply.

• She managed to grasp the rope just in time
• He has a good grasp of the subject matter