Grabbing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grabbing

[ˈɡræbɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To seize suddenly or roughly; snatch

Synonyms

grasp, seize, snatch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grabbing

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
seize

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
snatch

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
grasp

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

Examples of usage

  • He was caught grabbing the cookie from the jar.
  • She grabbed her bag and ran out the door.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

An act of seizing or snatching

Synonyms

grasp, seizure, snatch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grabbing

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
seizure

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
snatch

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
grasp

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

Examples of usage

  • The quick grab of the thief startled the shopkeeper.
  • She made a grab for the falling book.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • When people exhibit grabbing gestures, it can signal eagerness or desire, often linked to attention-seeking behaviors.
  • Research shows that the act of grabbing can be associated with emotional responses; for instance, grabbing food often indicates hunger.
  • In social interactions, grabbing items or attention can both reflect confidence and trigger feelings of competition among individuals.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'grabbing headlines' suggests that something is so exciting or important that it catches people's attention instantly.
  • In movies, characters often 'grab' objects abruptly to emphasize urgency or surprise, showcasing the action visually.
  • Famous athletes or entertainers are often described as 'grabbing the spotlight', highlighting their ability to attract public interest.

Education

  • Teachers often discuss 'grabbing students' attention' as an essential part of effective instruction methods.
  • Educators encourage using engaging materials or activities to grab learners' focus and enhance retention of information.
  • The concept of 'grabbing' can be applied in strategies to improve reading comprehension through eye-catching introductions.

Origin of 'grabbing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'grabbing' originates from the Middle English word 'grabbben', which meant to seize or clutch.
  • It is a form of the verb 'grab', which has been in use since the 14th century and conveys a sense of urgency.
  • The term evolved from the Old Norse word 'grabba', meaning to grasp or snatch.

The word 'grabbing' originates from the Middle English word 'grabben', which means 'to grasp or seize'. It has roots in Old English and Proto-Germanic languages. The concept of grabbing has been a fundamental human action since ancient times, essential for survival and daily activities. Over the years, the word has evolved in usage and context, reflecting changes in society and technology.


See also: grab, grabber.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,408, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.