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grab

grab

15 7.2
A machine tool that holds things to lift or move them
  • noun
  • /ɡræb/
  • UK
translation icon : garra
  • Closet bars were lowered, and a seat and a grab bar had been put into the shower in Bryan's bathroom.

Examples

  • The construction crew used a grab to lift heavy materials safely onto the platform.

  • He employed a grab to help secure the large metal beam during installation.

  • There is a grab handle on the corner of the cab.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Five grab samples were taken at each station on each sampling date.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Definitely a unique implementation of the "grab tube, lift tube" design.

    Blog text (22)
  • Well, it's obscured behind this grab handle itself.

  • Rick steadied himself with the grab handle at the top of the control panel.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • For the new project, we need a reliable grab to handle the various loads efficiently.

Synonyms

claw
vsgrab
31 5.6

A curved tool that grips and pulls things

is a broader industrial gripping device without emphasis on shape
grapple
vsgrab
6 7.4

A tool with hooks used to grab and lift things

is a general industrial lifting device not limited to hooked parts
gripper
vsgrab
2 4.1

A machine part that holds or picks up objects firmly, like on a robot arm

is designed specifically for industrial lifting and moving of materials
grasper
vsgrab
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A claw or pincer on an animal that holds things

is a mechanical tool used for lifting and moving materials in industry
griper
vsgrab
9.3

A tool for holding or lifting things safely

is intended mainly for heavy industrial material handling

Idioms

Face a difficult problem directly and bravely

1 9.9

Act boldly and take control of your life

To be brave and take control of your life

To act quickly and boldly to make the most of life

7.7

To get ready to watch something exciting or dramatic

Compounds

grab bag
  • Informal
4 4.1

A collection of different small items chosen at random

2 3.4

A strong bar attached to a wall that you hold for support, often in a bathroom

cash grab
  • Literature
1 6.5

A product or action made mainly to get money quickly with little care for quality

1 3.7

Food or drinks you buy to eat quickly away from a shop

grab hag
  • Slur
9.9

A person who pushes to take more attention or things than is fair

grab sample
  • Specialized
5.9

A single test taken at one time to show current conditions

How Strong

clamshell
  • Specialized
1 7.5
lifter
3 3.2
grab
  • UK
15 7.2
claw
31 5.6

Surface Forms

grab singular
grabs plural

Etymology

Grab comes from an old Norse word gripa meaning 'to seize', so a mechanical grab is a tool that 'seizes' or grips things to lift and move them.