Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - grip

~1 n 1 »FIRM HOLD« C usually singular the way you hold something tightly or your ability to do this  (Don't loosen your grip on the rope or you'll fall.) 2 »POWER« power and control over someone or something  (have a grip on sth)  (The chancellor doesn't seem to have a very firm grip on the economy.) 3 come/get to grips with to understand and deal with a difficult problem or situation  (I've never really got to grips with this new technology.) 4 lose your grip to become less confident and less able to deal with a situation  (I handled that interview very badly - I must be losing my grip.) 5 get/keep a grip on yourself to start controlling your emotions when you have been very upset  (Stop being hysterical and get a grip on yourself.) 6 be in the grip of to be experiencing a very unpleasant situation that cannot be controlled or stopped  (a country in the grip of famine) 7 »STOP STH SLIPPING« a) a special part of a handle that has a rough surface so that you can hold it firmly without it slipping  (a racquet with a rubber grip) b) the ability of something to stay on a surface without slipping  (I want some tennis shoes with a good grip.) 8 »FOR HAIR« BrE a hairgrip 9 »CAMERAMAN« someone whose job is to move the cameras around while a television show or film is being made 10 »BAG« old-fashioned a bag or case used for travelling ~2 v gripped, gripping 1 to hold something very tightly  (I gripped the handrail tightly and tried not to look down.) 2 to have a strong effect on someone or something  (a country gripped by economic problems | Panic suddenly gripped me when it was my turn to speak.) 3 to hold someone's attention and interest  (a story that really grips you) 4 if something grips a surface, it stays on it without slipping  (Radial tires grip the road well.)  (- see also gripping)