grab

/ˈgrab/

obsolete Dutch or Low German grabben

verb

  1. to take or seize by or as if by a sudden motion or grasp

  2. to take hastily

  3. to seize the attention of

grab up an ax

take seize grasp clutch snatch grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

noun

  1. a sudden snatch

  2. an unlawful or unethical seizure

  3. something taken, seized, or grasped suddenly

a grab for power

adjective

  1. intended to be taken, seized, or grasped suddenly

  2. taken at random

a grab rail