to seize suddenly or quickly; snatch; clutch

He grabbed me by the collar.

to take illegal possession of; seize forcibly or unscrupulously

to grab land.

to obtain and consume quickly

Let's grab a sandwich before going to the movie.

Slang .

to cause a reaction in; affect

How does my idea grab you?

to arouse the interest or excitement of

The book was O.K., but it just didn't grab me.

to make a grasping or clutching motion (usually fol. by at )

He grabbed frantically at the life preserver.

(of brakes, a clutch, etc.) to take hold suddenly or with a jolting motion; bind.

a sudden, quick grasp or snatch

to make a grab at something.

seizure or acquisition by violent or unscrupulous means.

something that is grabbed.

a mechanical device for gripping objects.

the capacity to hold or adhere

The glue was so old it had lost its grab.

up for grabs

Informal . available to anyone willing to expend the energy to get it

The Republican nomination for mayor was up for grabs.

verb

let go , release

verb

capture , catch , catch hold of , clutch , collar * , corral * , get one’s fingers on , get one’s hands on , glom , grapple , grasp , grip , hook , land , lay one’s hands on , nab , nail , pluck , seize , snag , snap up , snatch , take , take hold of , clasp , clench , commandeer , confiscate , expropriate , arrest , catch up , enthrall , fascinate , hold , mesmerize , rivet , spellbind , transfix , appropriate , arrogate , sequester

noun

clutch , seizure , snatch