take hold of

• Etwas mit der Hand greifen und festhalten oder etwas bzw. jemanden unter Kontrolle bringen; auch: anfangen, stark auf jemanden oder etwas einzuwirken oder von etwas ergriffen zu werden.

To grasp, seize, or take control of something physically, or to begin affecting or influencing someone or something strongly.

1. Grasp physicallyB1formal

   To grab or seize something with the hands.

   Ergreifen

   • He took hold of the rope and pulled it.
   • She took hold of the child's hand to cross the street.
   • Take hold of the handle and lift the box.

2. Gain control or influenceB2formal

   To begin to have a strong effect or influence over someone or something.

   Von etwas ergriffen werden

   • Fear took hold of him as he entered the dark room.
   • A new idea took hold of the team's imagination.
   • The economic crisis took hold of the entire region.