I. ˈgrab verb
( grabbed ; grab·bing )
Etymology: obsolete Dutch or Low German grabben
Date: circa 1581
transitive verb
1. : to take or seize by or as if by a sudden motion or grasp
grab up an ax
grabbed the opportunity
grab attention
2. : to obtain unscrupulously
grab public lands
3. : to take hastily
grab a bite to eat
grab a cab
4.
a. : to seize the attention of
the technique of grabbing an audience — Pauline Kael
b. : to impress favorably and deeply
intransitive verb
: to make a grab
Synonyms: see take
• grab·ber noun
II. adjective
Date: 1608
1. : intended to be grabbed
a grab rail
2. : taken at random
grab samples of rocks
III. noun
Date: 1777
1.
a. : something grabbed
b. : a sudden snatch
c. : an unlawful or unscrupulous seizure
2. chiefly British
a. : a device for clutching an object
b. : clamshell 2a
•
- up for grabs