grasp at
Third Person
grasps at
Present Participle
grasping at
Past Tense
grasped at
Past Participle
grasped at
1
to make an effort to obtain or achieve something, often with a sense of desperation because of being unhappy with one's current situation
- He began to grasp at any opportunity to save his failing business.
- She would grasp at any chance to mend their broken relationship.
- When they faced financial ruin, they grasped at any lifeline that came their way.
- She grasped at a last-minute opportunity to salvage the situation.
- He grasped at the job offer as he was unhappy with his current employment.
2
to make a sudden and often desperate attempt to catch or hold onto something
- She grasped at the falling book before it hit the ground.
- The child grasped at the balloons that were floating away.
- In the strong wind, she grasped at her hat to prevent it from blowing away.
- He grasped at the edge of the cliff to save himself from falling.
- During the chaos, people grasped at any available lifebuoy to stay afloat.