grasp

English

/ɡɹɑːsp/, /ɡɹæsp/

verb
Definitions
  • To grip; to take hold, particularly with the hand.
  • To understand.
  • To take advantage of something, to seize, to jump at a chance.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English graspen inherited from Old English grǣpsan (feel, touch) inherited from Proto-Germanic *graipisōną.

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*graipisōną

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms