grasp

grasp

verb

Definition of 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, grasp, understand

Related Words appreciate, apprehend, cognize, fathom, follow, ken [chiefly Scottish], perceive, savvy; have, possess; catch on (to), pick up

Near 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, grasp, hug, strain

Related 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, grasp, grip, hold

Related Words clench, cling (to), clutch, hold on (to); catch, nab, seize, snatch

Near 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, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand

Related Words absorb, digest, take in; realize; fathom, penetrate, pierce

Near Antonyms misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand

Antonyms miss