攫

To snatch, seize, or grab suddenly; denotes a forceful, rapid closing of the hand. Emphasizes the transition from not-having to having via a quick, decisive motion (e.g., a bird of prey swooping).

Transitive verb describing the action/motion of seizure rather than the state of possession.

Distinguished by velocity and aggression from other "taking" verbs:

• 取 (qǔ): general taking or receiving.
• 拿 (ná): holding, picking up, or possessing.
• 擒 (qín): capturing, often implying subjugation or restraint.
• 捉 (zhuō): catching, often implying a chase or pursuit.

Fanqie reading: 居縛.

Do not conflate with 獲 (huò); while both relate to "getting," 攫 refers to the physical motion of snatching, whereas 獲 refers to the result or the prey itself. The glyph usually implies a degree of force or desperation; its use in contexts describing slow or gentle movement may be ironic.