Ergreifen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Ergreifen" is used as verb with the meaning of "to seize", "to grasp" or "to grab".

Essential properties of "ergreifen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: ergreifen
Simple past: ergriff
Participle: ergriffen

irregulartransitive

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 "ergreifen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To take or grasp something physically"

Definition: "To take or grasp something with hands or with force."
Translation(s): to seize, to grasp, to grab, to take hold of
Synonym(s): Fassen, Packen, Greifen
Antonym(s): Loslassen, Freigeben
Related word(s): Anfassen, Zugreifen

📝 Some usage examples:

Er ergriff den Koffer und eilte zum Bahnhof.He grabbed the suitcase and hurried to the station.
Sie ergriff seine Hand und drückte sie sanft.She took his hand and squeezed it gently.
Der Hund ergriff den Ball mit seinen Zähnen.The dog seized the ball with its teeth.

2.) "To seize an opportunity or take action"

Definition: "To seize an opportunity or take a measure/action."
Translation(s): to seize, to take, to grasp, to avail oneself of
Synonym(s): nutzen, wahrnehmen, einleiten
Antonym(s): verpassen, ignorieren
Related word(s): ergreifen von Maßnahmen, die Initiative ergreifen

📝 Some usage examples:

Wir müssen die Gelegenheit ergreifen, um unser Geschäft zu erweitern.We must seize the opportunity to expand our business.
Die Regierung hat strenge Maßnahmen ergriffen, um die Pandemie einzudämmen.The government has taken strict measures to contain the pandemic.
Er ergriff die Initiative und schlug eine Lösung vor.He took the initiative and proposed a solution.

3.) "To be overcome by an intense emotion"

Definition: "To experience or be affected by an intense emotion."
Translation(s): to overcome, to seize, to grip, to affect
Synonym(s): überkommen, überwältigen, packen
Antonym(s): gleichgültig bleiben
Related word(s): ergriffen sein

📝 Some usage examples:

Beim Anblick des Sonnenuntergangs ergriff sie eine tiefe Ruhe.At the sight of the sunset, a deep calm overcame her.
Die Zuschauer waren von der Rede des Politikers ergriffen.The audience was moved by the politician's speech.
Plötzlich ergriff ihn die Angst vor der bevorstehenden Prüfung.Suddenly, fear of the upcoming exam gripped him.

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