grasp

1 to have a practical understanding of <he just doesn't grasp how important it is that he call when he'll be late> Synonyms comprehend, know, understandRelated Words appreciate, apprehend, cognize, fathom, follow, ken [chiefly Scottish], perceive, savvy; have, possess; catch on (to), pick upNear Antonyms misapprehend, misconceive, misinterpret, misknow, misperceive, misunderstand

2 to put one's arms around and press tightly <the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual> Synonyms bear-hug, clasp, crush, enclasp, enfold, embrace, hug, strainRelated Words clamp, cling, cradle, grab, grip, hold; bosom, embosom, encircle, entwine, envelop, enwind; fold, lock, twine, wrap; cuddle, fondle, nestle, nuzzle, pat, pet, snuggle, stroke

3 to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms <the attendant grasped my arm and steered me towards the door> Synonyms clasp, take, grip, holdRelated Words clench, cling (to), clutch, hold on (to); catch, nab, seize, snatchNear Antonyms discharge, drop, free, liberate, release; deliver, entrust (also intrust), give, hand, hand over, pass, relinquish, transfer, transmit, turn over, unhand

4 to have a clear idea of <the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her> Synonyms appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, comprehend, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understandRelated Words absorb, digest, take in; realize; fathom, penetrate, pierceNear Antonyms misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstandAntonyms miss