̈ɪɡrɪp v. & n. --v. (gripped, gripping) 1 a tr.
grasp tightly;
take a firm hold
of. b intr. take a firm hold,
esp. by
friction. 2 tr. (of a
feeling or emotion) deeply affect (a person) (was gripped by fear). 3 tr.
compel the attention or
interest of (a gripping story). --n. 1 a a firm hold; a
tight grasp or
clasp. b a
manner of
grasping or
holding. 2 the
power of holding attention. 3 a
mental or
intellectual understanding or
mastery. b
effective control of a
situation or one's
behaviour etc. (lose one's grip). 4 a a
part of a
machine that grips or holds
something. b a part or
attachment by
which a
tool,
implement,
weapon,
etc., is
held in the
hand. 5 =
HAIRGRIP. 6 a travelling
bag. 7 an
assistant in a
theatre,
film studio, etc. 8
Austral. sl. a job or
occupation. øcome (or get) to grips
with approach purposefully;
begin to deal with. in the grip of dominated or
affected by (esp. an
adverse circumstance or
unpleasant sensation). øøgripper n. grippingly adv. [OE
gripe, gripa
handful (as GRIPE)]