agarrar

Senses

1. 1.

   to grab, to grasp, to seize

   to take hold of something firmly with the hands

2. 2.

   to catch, to capture

   to capture or apprehend someone or something

3. 3.

   to cling to, to hold on to

   to hold tightly, often for support or security

4. 4.

   to make out (with), to hook up

   informal: to kiss or be physically intimate with someone

Examples

• "Ela agarrou a bolsa e saiu correndo."

  She grabbed her purse and ran out.

• "A polícia conseguiu agarrar o ladrão na esquina."

  The police managed to catch the thief on the corner.

• "Eles se agarraram na festa ontem à noite."

  They made out at the party last night.

Usage

Common in both formal and informal contexts. The reflexive form "agarrar-se" means to cling or hold on tightly. In informal speech, especially among young people, "agarrar" (or "se agarrar") is frequently used to mean kissing/making out. Often used with prepositions: "agarrar em" (to grab onto) or "agarrar-se a" (to cling to).