1. past tense and past participle of grip; held firmly with the hand or hands
2. past tense and past participle of grip; held someone’s attention completely; fascinated

1. completely absorbed or fascinated by something

Examples

• She gripped the steering wheel tightly during the storm.
• The audience was gripped by the thrilling performance.
• He gripped his father’s hand as they crossed the street.
• The mystery novel had me completely gripped from the first page.
• The climber gripped the rocky ledge with both hands.
• We were all gripped by fear when we heard the strange noise.
• The teacher gripped the students’ attention with her dramatic storytelling.