grip

[grɪp] noun I

1) [singular] a firm strong hold

Pete tightened his grip on her arm.[/ex]

2) [singular] power and control over someone or something

The President struggled to regain his grip on power.[/ex]

3) [singular/U] if shoes or tyres have grip, they hold a surface firmly and do not slip

•

be in the grip of sth — to be in a difficult or unpleasant situation[/ex]

get a grip (on yourself) — spoken to make an effort to control your emotions or your behaviour[/ex]

get/come to grips with sth — to start to deal with a problem, situation, or job that you have to do[/ex]

II

verb

grip [grɪp]

1) [T] to hold something tightly

She gripped Frank's hand firmly.[/ex]

2) [T] to have a strong effect on someone

A feeling of fear gripped the crowd.[/ex]

3) [T] to keep someone very interested in something

The case has gripped the public because of the celebrities involved.[/ex]

4) [I/T] if shoes or tyres grip, they hold a surface firmly and therefore do not slip