noun / verb

grip

GRIP/ɡrˈɪp/

A firm hold that secures control of something.

The hand maintains a firm grip on the thick vertical rope.

One hand firmly grips a thick vertical climbing rope, thumb and fingers wrap around it visibly and securely; short length of rope and forearm only, no cliff or peril scene.

Etymology

Old English grippan meant 'to grip, seize, obtain.' The modern sense preserves its concrete image of taking a firm hold; the verb's deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics23:56

one had to grip the leg tightly and then sort of clamp down on the vessels as rapidly as possible

Peter Angelos, MD, PhD: "The Role of Surgical Ethics in the History of Surgery"

More examples

Grip the handle tightly before you lift the suitcase.
The tires lose their grip on the icy road.
The mystery grips her attention from the first page.

Forms

grip · grips · gripped · gripping

Similar words

hold: Hold is broader and does not necessarily suggest firmness.
grasp: Grasp emphasizes seizing or holding, especially with the hand.
clutch: Clutch suggests a tight hold driven by urgency or fear.