■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 take and keep a firm hold of.
2》 (of an emotion or situation) have a strong or adverse effect on.
↘[often as adjective ~ping ] hold the attention or interest of.
■ noun
1》 a firm hold.
↘effective control: he had to take a ~ on his nerves.
↘an understanding of something.
2》 a part or attachment by which something is held in the hand.
↘ Brit. a hair~.
3》 a travelling bag.
4》 a stagehand in a theatre.
↘a member of a camera crew responsible for moving and setting up equipment.
Phrases
come (or get ) to ~s with
1》 engage in combat with.
2》 begin to deal with or understand.
lose one's ~ become unable to understand or control one's situation.
Derivatives
~per noun
~pingly adverb
~py adjective
Origin
OE ~pa (v.), ~e 'grasp, clutch' (n.), ~a 'handful, sheath'; related to ~e .