In the grip of something Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Indicates a strong, often negative, emotional state that is overwhelming. She was in the grip of despair after losing her job. Pro Tip 2/3Lack of Control Suggests a situation where someone has little or no control over what is happening. The village was in the grip of the flood waters. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use Often used metaphorically rather than literally to describe concepts like time periods or events. We are in the grip of winter's chill.