grasp noun (HOLD) C2 [ S ] the act of holding onto someone or something: He shook my hand with a very firm grasp. C2 [ U ] the ability to get, achieve, or keep something: The presidency at last looked within her grasp (= it looked possible that she might become president).

1 : to seize and hold with or as if with the hand grasp a bat You must grasp the opportunity. 2 : to make the motion of seizing She grasped at branches as she fell. 3 : understand sense 1 He quickly grasped the idea. 1 : a grip of the hand Keep a firm grasp on the rope. 2 : control entry 2 sense 1, hold The land was in the grasp of a tyrant.