gripped
adj.adj. feeling very excited or interested in something. You use this when a story or event has your full attention and you cannot look away.
adj. deeply affected by a strong emotion or intensely interested in something. Often used predicatively to describe a state of total engagement or fascination.
I was gripped by the exciting movie.
The entire nation was gripped by the news of the rescue mission as it unfolded live on television.
The audience remained gripped throughout the final act, barely whispering as the protagonist faced an impossible choice that would determine the fate of the kingdom.
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'remain' and is frequently followed by the preposition 'by'.
Last updated May 8, 2026