1grasp or seize suddenly and roughly:she grabbed him by the shirt collarshe grabbed her keys and rushed out
informal obtain or get (something) quickly or opportunistically:I’ll grab another drink while there’s still time
[no object] (of a brake on a vehicle) grip the wheel harshly or jerkily:the brakes grabbed very badly
2 [usually with negative or in questions] informal attract the attention of; make an impression on:how does that grab you?
noun
1a quick sudden clutch or attempt to seize:he made a grab at the pistol
[usually with modifier] Computing a frame of video or television footage, digitized and stored as a still image in a computer memory for subsequent display, printing, or editing:I’ve added frame grabs to give a good flavour of what the film is all about
2a mechanical device for clutching, lifting, and moving things, especially materials in bulk.
[as modifier] denoting a bar or strap for people to hold on to for support or in a moving vehicle:a grab rail
Phrases
up for grabs
informal available:a £1 million jackpot is up for grabs
Derivatives
grabber
noun
Origin:
late 16th century: from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch grabben; perhaps related to grip, gripe, and grope
