grip
UK: ɡrɪp | US: ɡrɪp
n. 1. A firm hold or grasp.
n. 2. Control or influence over someone or something.
vt. 1. To take and keep a firm hold of something.
vt. 2. To hold the attention or interest of someone.
The word "grip" traces back to Old English gripan, meaning "to seize or grasp." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic gripaną and is related to Dutch grijpen and German greifen. The core idea of "taking hold" has remained consistent, evolving to include metaphorical senses like control or influence.
She tightened her grip on the handlebars as the bike sped downhill.
The politician lost his grip on power after the scandal.
The movie’s suspenseful plot gripped the audience until the end.
He struggled to grip the slippery rope.
Fear gripped her heart as she entered the dark room.