# gripped

/ˈɡɹɪpt/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɪpt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gripped
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

feeling very excited or interested in something. You use this when a story or event has your full attention and you cannot look away.

For teachers: deeply affected by a strong emotion or intensely interested in something. Often used predicatively to describe a state of total engagement or fascination.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'remain' and is frequently followed by the preposition 'by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.