grasp grasp /ˈgræsp/

noun

1. The act of grasping  ( clasp , clench , grasp , clutch , clutches , grip , hold )
   the act of grasping
    He released his clasp on my arm
   he released his clasp on my arm
    He has a strong grip for an old man
   he has a strong grip for an old man
    She kept a firm hold on the railing
   she kept a firm hold on the railing
   
   
2. An intellectual hold or understanding  ( grasp , grip )
   an intellectual hold or understanding
    A good grip on French history
   a good grip on French history
    They kept a firm grip on the two top priorities
   they kept a firm grip on the two top priorities
    He was in the grip of a powerful emotion
   he was in the grip of a powerful emotion
    A terrible power had her in its grasp
   a terrible power had her in its grasp
   
3. The limit of capability  ( compass , grasp , range , reach )
   the limit of capability
    Within the compass of education
   within the compass of education
   
4. Understanding of the nature, meaning, quality or magnitude of something  ( grasp , hold , appreciation )
   understanding of the nature, meaning, quality or magnitude of something
    He has a good grasp of accounting practices
   he has a good grasp of accounting practices
   

verb

1. () Hold firmly  ( hold on , grasp )
   hold firmly
   
2. () Get the meaning of something  ( compass , dig [Informal] , grok [Informal, N. American] , apprehend , comprehend , get the picture , grasp , savvy )
   get the meaning of something
    Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
   Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?