n.

1. the act of grasping;
   clasp, clench, clutch, clutches, grasp, hold
   
   • he released his clasp on my arm
   • he has a strong grip for an old man
   • she kept a firm hold on the railing
2. the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
   handle, handgrip, hold
   
   • he grabbed the hammer by the handle
   • it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
3. a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes;
   bag, traveling bag, suitcase
   
   • he carried his small bag onto the plane with him
4. the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road);
   traction, adhesive friction
5. worker who moves the camera around while a film or television show is being made
6. a firm controlling influence;
   grasp
   
   • they kept a firm grip on the two top priorities
   • he was in the grip of a powerful emotion
   • a terrible power had her in its grasp
7. a flat wire hairpin whose prongs press tightly together; used to hold bobbed hair in place;
   bobby pin, hairgrip
   
   • in England they call a bobby pin a grip

v.

1. hold fast or firmly
   
   • He gripped the steering wheel
2. to grip or seize, as in a wrestling match;
   grapple
   
   • the two men grappled with each other for several minutes
3. to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe;
   fascinate, transfix, spellbind
   
   • The snake charmer fascinates the cobra