take hold
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To grasp or grip something physically: To have or hold something in one's hands or with one's grasp.
- To gain control or influence over someone or something: To begin to have a strong effect, influence, or control, often over a person's mind, a situation, or a place.
Usage Examples
Verb (Physical Grasp):
- Please take hold of the rope so you don't slip.
- She took hold of the child's hand to cross the street safely.
Verb (Gain Control/Influence):
- A sense of panic began to take hold in the crowded room.
- The new policy will take hold gradually over the next few months.
Advanced Usage
"take hold of": This phrasal form is commonly used for both meanings.
- Take hold of the railing for support. (Physical grasp)
- A profound sadness took hold of him after the news. (Gain influence)
"to get/take a hold of": An informal variant emphasizing the act of obtaining control or grasp.
- I need to get a hold of the latest report. (Obtain physically or access information)
- You should take a hold of your finances. (Gain control)
Variants and Related Words
- Hold (v/n): The root verb and noun. As a verb, it means to have or keep in one's grasp. As a noun, it means an act of grasping or a place for grasping.
- Grip (v/n): A close synonym meaning to take and keep a firm hold of; to compel the attention of.
Synonyms
- Grasp: To seize and hold firmly.
- Seize: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
- Grip: To take and keep a firm hold of.
- Prevail: To become effective or gain dominance (for the 'gain control' sense).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Take hold of: To grasp physically or to begin to control/influence.
- The idea took hold of her imagination and wouldn't let go.
- Get hold of: To manage to obtain, contact, or grasp.
- I finally got hold of the necessary documents.
Related Idioms
- Take firm hold: To establish strong control or influence.
- The tradition has taken firm hold in the community.
- Lose its hold: To lose control or influence.
- The old superstition is losing its hold on people's minds.
Verb
- have or hold in one's hands or grip
- Hold this bowl for a moment, please
- A crazy idea took hold of him
- assume control