Greifen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Greifen" is used as verb with the meaning of "grab", "grasp" or "take".

Essential properties of "greifen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: greifen
Simple past: griff
Participle: gegriffen

irregulartransitiveintransitive

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "greifen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To take something with a hand or body part"

Definition: "To take something with one's hand or another part of the body."
Translation(s): grab, grasp, take, seize
Synonym(s): fassen, packen
Antonym(s): loslassen
Related word(s): Griff, Greifarm

📝 Some usage examples:

Er konnte den Ball nicht greifen.He couldn't grab the ball.
Ich muss die Schlüssel greifen, bevor wir gehen.I need to grab the keys before we go.
Sie versuchte, nach der Flasche zu greifen.She tried to reach for the bottle.

2.) "To catch or capture someone or something"

Definition: "To catch or capture someone or something."
Translation(s): catch, apprehend, capture
Synonym(s): fangen, erwischen
Antonym(s): freilassen
Related word(s): Gefangennahme, Gefangener

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Polizist konnte den Dieb greifen.The police officer was able to catch the thief.
Der Hund versuchte, die Katze zu greifen.The dog tried to catch the cat.
Sie konnten den fliehenden Verbrecher greifen.They were able to apprehend the fleeing criminal.

3.) "To extend or spread"

Definition: "To extend or spread."
Translation(s): spread, take hold, propagate
Synonym(s): Ausbreiten, Verbreiten
Antonym(s): Eindämmen
Related word(s): Ausbreitung, Verbreitung

📝 Some usage examples:

Das Feuer begann schnell zu greifen.The fire quickly began to spread.
Die Epidemie begann auf andere Städte zu greifen.The epidemic began to spread to other cities.
Das Gerücht begann in der Schule zu greifen.The rumor began to spread in the school.

4.) "To succeed or be effective"

Definition: "To succeed or prove effective."
Translation(s): be effective, work, take effect, succeed
Synonym(s): funktionieren, wirken
Antonym(s): scheitern
Related word(s): Erfolg, Effekt

📝 Some usage examples:

Die neuen Maßnahmen beginnen zu greifen.The new measures are beginning to take effect.
Der Plan scheint endlich zu greifen.The plan finally seems to be working.
Die Medizin hat sofort zu greifen begonnen.The medicine immediately began to work.

5.) "To cling to something physically or conceptually"

Definition: "To cling to something physically or conceptually."
Translation(s): cling, hold on, latch onto
Synonym(s): Klammern, Halten
Antonym(s): Loslassen
Related word(s): Halt, Klammer

📝 Some usage examples:

Er versuchte, sich an den Felsen zu greifen.He tried to cling to the rock.
Sie greifen sich an jedes Wort, das er sagt.They latch onto every word he says.
Er greift sich an jeden Strohhalm.He grasps at every straw.

6.) "To achieve or obtain something"

Definition: "To achieve or obtain something."
Translation(s): achieve, obtain, reach, attain
Synonym(s): erreichen, erlangen
Antonym(s): verfehlen
Related word(s): Erreichung, Erlangung

📝 Some usage examples:

Er konnte endlich sein Ziel greifen.He could finally achieve his goal.
Sie musste hart arbeiten, um diese Position greifen.She had to work hard to attain this position.
Er konnte den Preis greifen.He was able to obtain the prize.

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