scrab ‧ ble /ˈskræb ə l/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Dutch ; Origin: schrabbelen 'to scratch' ]
to try to find or do something very quickly, usually by moving your hands or feet in an uncontrolled way
scrabble for
He scrabbled for the light switch.
scrabble around/about
She was scrabbling around, searching for the door.