Words / B1

GRAB/ɡræb/

To grab is to take something quickly, sometimes roughly: grab a seat; grab an opportunity. Seize is more formal and stronger; snatch is ruder. Do not use grab for a careful, legal taking (that is confiscate or seize). Headlines: grab a bargain is advertising English.

Meaning

To take something quickly or suddenly, sometimes roughly.

Examples

• “Grab a seat near the front before the briefing starts.”
• “Protesters grabbed the microphone, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

grab a seat / chance / headline. Stronger/formal: seize. Ruder: snatch. Legal taking: confiscate. Advertising: grab a bargain.

Near in meaning

seize

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