grip2 past tense and past participle gripped, present participle gripping
to hold something very tightly:
I gripped the rail and tried not to look down.
grip something tightly/firmly
The woman moved closer to Beth, gripping her arm tightly.
to have a strong effect on someone or something:
have a strong effect[transitive]
a country gripped by economic problems
Panic suddenly gripped me when it was my turn to speak.
to hold someone's attention and interest:
a story that really grips you
if something grips a surface, it stays on it without slipping:
not slip[intransitive and transitive]
Radial tires grip the road well.