Grasp at

verb

To try to reach or hold something quickly and clumsily.

He grasped at the rope as he fell.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to reach or hold something quickly and clumsily

Often appears as...

  • grasp at chances
  • grasp at opportunities
verb

To try to obtain or maintain something in a desperate or hopeful way.

She was grasping at straws trying to save her failing business.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to obtain or maintain something in a desperate or hopeful way

Often appears as...

  • grasp at power
  • grasp at control
verb

To try to understand something complex or difficult.

I am grasping at the concept of higher dimensional physics.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to understand something complex or difficult

Often appears as...

  • grasp at understanding
  • grasp at knowledge

Usage tips

Academic

verb

To try to reach or hold something quickly and clumsily.

He grasped at the rope as he fell.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to reach or hold something quickly and clumsily

Often appears as...

  • grasp at chances
  • grasp at opportunities
verb

To try to obtain or maintain something in a desperate or hopeful way.

She was grasping at straws trying to save her failing business.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to obtain or maintain something in a desperate or hopeful way

Often appears as...

  • grasp at power
  • grasp at control
verb

To try to understand something complex or difficult.

I am grasping at the concept of higher dimensional physics.
Visual representation of "grasp at" - To try to understand something complex or difficult

Often appears as...

  • grasp at understanding
  • grasp at knowledge

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "grasp at"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desperation Implication

Implies an urgent, often failed, attempt to get something.

Illustration for Desperation Implication
He grasped at the papers fluttering away in the wind.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Action

Often describes a physical action of reaching out for something.

Illustration for Physical Action
She grasped at the last cookie before her brother could get it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

Refers to an act when there are few or no other options.

Illustration for Last Resort
In the storm, the sailor grasped at a floating piece of wood.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desperation Implication

Implies an urgent, often failed, attempt to get something.

Illustration for Desperation Implication
He grasped at the papers fluttering away in the wind.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Action

Often describes a physical action of reaching out for something.

Illustration for Physical Action
She grasped at the last cookie before her brother could get it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

Refers to an act when there are few or no other options.

Illustration for Last Resort
In the storm, the sailor grasped at a floating piece of wood.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desperation Implication

Implies an urgent, often failed, attempt to get something.

Illustration for Desperation Implication
He grasped at the papers fluttering away in the wind.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Action

Often describes a physical action of reaching out for something.

Illustration for Physical Action
She grasped at the last cookie before her brother could get it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

Refers to an act when there are few or no other options.

Illustration for Last Resort
In the storm, the sailor grasped at a floating piece of wood.
Visual representation of the word "Grasp at"

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