Definition
抓起 is a resultative verb compound formed from 抓 (to grab) and 起 (up). It means to grab something and lift it up from a surface or place, often with a quick motion. Unlike the dictionary gloss 'arrest' (which is a different sense of 抓 alone), 抓起 specifically emphasizes the upward result of the grabbing action.
r.v.
to grab up (from a surface)to snatch up
Examples
- 抓起。Tā cóng dì shàng zhuā qǐ yì bǎ shāzi.He grabbed up a handful of sand from the ground.
- 抓起，。Tā zhuā qǐ diànhuà, mǎshàng dǎ gěi le jīnglǐ.She snatched up the phone and immediately called the manager.
- 抓起。Jǐngchá zhuā qǐ xiányírén de yīlǐng.The police officer grabbed the suspect by the collar (lifted his collar).
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