grab

Universal Words verb, noun verb (-bb-) 1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) to take or hold sb/sth with your hand suddenly, firmly or roughly SYNSEIZE: [VN] She grabbed the child's hand and ran. * He grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go. * Jim grabbed a cake from the plate. * He grabbed her around the throat and squeezed. * Someone grabbed me from behind. * [V] Don't grab-there's plenty for everyone. 2 [V] ~ at / for sth to try to take hold of sth: She grabbed at the branch, missed and fell. * Kate grabbed for the robber's gun. 3 ~ (at sth) to take advantage of an opportunity to do or have sth SYNSEIZE: [VN] This was my big chance and I grabbed it with both hands. * [V] He'll grab at any excuse to avoid doing the dishes. 4 [VN] to have or take sth quickly, especially because you are in a hurry: Let's grab a sandwich before we go. * I'll grab a bite to eat in town. * Grab a cab and get over here. * I managed to grab a couple of hours' sleep on the plane. * Grab a seat, I won't keep you a moment. 5 [VN] to take sth for yourself, especially in a selfish or GREEDY way: By the time we arrived, someone had grabbed all the good seats. * She's always trying to grab the limelight. 6 [VN] to get sb's attention: I'll see if I can grab the waitress and get the bill. * Glasgow's drugs problem has grabbed the headlines tonight (= been published as an important story in the newspapers). * The play grabs the audience's attention from the very start. IDIOMS how does...grab you? (spoken) used to ask sb whether they are interested in sth or in doing sth: How does the idea of a trip to Rome grab you? noun [usuallysing.] ~ (at / for sb/sth) a sudden attempt to take or hold sb/sth: He made a grab for her bag. * As the car swung round the corner, she held on to the grab handle to steady herself. seealsoSMASH-AND-GRAB IDIOMS up for grabs (informal) available for anyone who is interested: There are ｣25000 worth of prizes up for grabs in our competition!