v. & n.
--v. (grabbed, grabbing)
1. tr. a seize suddenly. b capture, arrest.
2 tr. take greedily or unfairly.
3 tr. sl. attract the attention of, impress.
4 intr. (foll. by at) make a sudden snatch at.
5 intr. (of the brakes of a motor vehicle) act harshly or jerkily.
--n.
1. a sudden clutch or attempt to seize.
2 a mechanical device for clutching.
3 the practice of grabbing; rapacious proceedings esp. in politics and commerce.
4 a children's card-game in which certain cards may be snatched from the table.
Phrases and idioms:
grab-bag US a lucky dip. grab handle (or rail etc.) a handle or rail etc. to steady passengers in a moving vehicle. up for grabs sl. easily obtainable; inviting capture.
Derivatives:
grabber n.
Etymology: MLG, MDu. grabben: cf. GRIP, GRIPE, GROPE