phrasal
1.
a. : grasp , grip , seize
take hold of a railing
took hold and hung on tight
b. : to establish a hold on or over
felt hate take hold of my whole body — Edita Morris
a second conviction took hold of him — T.B.Costain
story … takes hold of a reader from the first — Walter Havighurst
c. : to assume management or control : take in hand and deal with : take charge
there was a new overseer … and he was taking hold, fast — Laura Krey
women who take hold of things and aren't afraid of work — Ellen Glasgow
administration fails to take hold of and solve the big problems — F.D.Roosevelt
2.
[ME taken hold, fr. taken to take + hold ]
: to become attached or established
once the glue dries and takes firm hold — Emily Holt
: take effect : catch on
theory took hold because the future was with it — W.P.Webb
idea … does not seem to have taken hold very widely — Elmer Davis