Grip Meaning

UK /ɡrɪp/
US /ɡrɪp/
Word Definition
grip meaning

Grip Definition & Usage

verb

To seize, hold, or grasp something tightly with the hands or fingers.

Examples

  • "She gripped the edge of the table as the earthquake shook the building."
  • "He gripped the ball tightly, ready for the final throw."
  • "The mountaineer gripped the rock ledge, his fingers aching from the strain."
  • "I gripped the umbrella tightly to prevent it from being blown away in the storm."
  • "The child gripped her mother's hand as they crossed the busy street."
verb

To have a strong, controlling influence over something or someone.

Examples

  • "The fear gripped him as he walked through the dark alley."
  • "A sense of responsibility gripped her as she took on the leadership role."
  • "The city's residents were gripped by a wave of panic during the hurricane warning."
  • "The audience was gripped by the intense drama unfolding on stage."
  • "She was gripped by the excitement of the competition, unable to focus on anything else."
noun

The action of holding something firmly.

Examples

  • "He tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he maneuvered through traffic."
  • "She had a firm grip on the rope, ensuring she wouldn't fall."
  • "The boxer had a strong grip on his opponent's arm, refusing to let go."
  • "Her grip on the book tightened as the suspenseful scene approached its climax."
  • "He lost his grip on the hammer as it slipped from his hand."

Cultural Context

The word 'grip' has evolved from its original meaning in Old English, 'gripan', meaning 'to seize or grasp'. Over time, the word has expanded in use to also describe psychological or emotional control. It appears in various contexts, from sports to leadership to personal emotions, often reflecting a sense of control or power.

The Grip of Determination

Story

The Grip of Determination

Jack had always been a fighter, but nothing had tested his resolve like this. His fingers gripped the ropes tightly, the knuckles turning white as he climbed higher up the steep rock face. He had trained for this moment, but the sheer height and the freezing wind made it feel as if every ounce of his energy was being drained with each movement. His thoughts raced, but in this moment, all that mattered was his grip—his physical hold on the rock, and his mental hold on fear. Every time his foot slipped, he felt the panic grip his chest, but he pushed forward, refusing to let go. His breath came in shallow bursts, his heart thudding in his ears, but his grip on the ledge remained strong. Each inch up the cliff was a victory, a sign of the power of persistence. As he reached the summit, he realized that it wasn't just his hands that had held on—it was his mind, his determination, and his unwavering grip on his goal that had made this possible. The sky was now clear, and Jack stood tall, his fingers still gripping the rock, but his heart was free. The storm inside him had passed, and in its place was the calm certainty that he'd never give up again.

The Grip of Determination