WAYS OF HOLDING

to grasp

to take a strong hold of sth/sb with your hand, esp. by putting one’s finger/arm around.

• Implies a firm, strong, or sudden hold, often with an element of necessity or urgency.

to clasp

to hold sth/sb tightly in your hands.

• Implies a secure, often gentle and affectionate hold; can also refer to a fastening mechanism.

to clutch

to hold sth/sb firmly, bc you are afraid, don’t want to lose it, in pain, or to stop from falling.

• Typically used in situations involving fear, anxiety, or a strong need to hold onto something tightly.

to seize

to take hold of sth/sb in your hand suddenly and using force.

• Implies a decisive, authoritative, and often legal or official action, sometimes involving seizing something as part of a legal process or in a formal capacity.

to grip

to hold sth tightly or the ability to do so, a particular way of doing this.

• Implies holding onto something with intent, often for control or stability,

to hug

to hold sb close to oneselfwith the arms, esp. to show love.

to cling to

to stick onto sth/sb tightly, or to refuse to stop holding it.

• Implies holding onto something for support, protection, or emotional attachment.

to grab

To take hold of something quickly and forcefully with one's hand or hands.

• Can be used in a wider range of contexts, including casual or less forceful actions.

to snatch

to take hold of sth suddenly, roughly and often rudely or by force.

• Suggests a more aggressive or opportunistic action, often involving seizing something away from its current owner or possessor.