Word choice · C1
Grip, grasp, clutch, seize, snatch
Grip is holding on firmly and keeping hold. Grasp is closing your hand around something — and, figuratively, understanding it. Clutch adds fear: you hold tightly because you are afraid of losing it. Seize is sudden and forceful, often official. Snatch is fast and rude, usually taking something away from somebody.
Which word, and why
- grip
hold firmly and keep holding
To take and maintain a tight hold.
grip the wheel · a firm grip · grip the handrail
- grasp
close your hand around it — or understand it
To take firm hold of something; also to understand something fully.
grasp the rope · grasp the idea · grasp an opportunity
- clutch
hold tightly out of fear
To hold something close and hard, usually because you are anxious.
clutch her bag · clutch at straws · clutching a letter
- claspliterary
hold with both hands, or fold together
To hold firmly with the whole hand, or to join hands together.
clasp her hands · clasp it to his chest
- cling
hold on and refuse to let go
To hold on tightly to someone or something and not release them.
cling to his mother · cling on · cling to the hope
- seize
sudden and forceful — often by authority
To take hold of something quickly and firmly, or to take it by force or law.
seize power · seize the goods · seize the chance
- snatch
fast and rude, taking it away from someone
To take something quickly and roughly, usually out of another person’s hand.
snatch her phone · snatch it away · a snatched conversation
- grabinformal
fast and rough, but everyday
To take hold of something suddenly.
grab your coat · grab a coffee · grab hold of
- wieldformal
hold something and use it — a tool, a weapon, power
To hold and control an implement or an authority.
wield an axe · wield influence · wield power
- clench
close tightly on nothing — fist, teeth, jaw
To press together hard, especially the hand or the teeth.
clench your fists · through clenched teeth · a clenched jaw
Now use it
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the handrail with both hands and do not let go until we stop.