Gripping

Describing something that holds one's interest intensely; fascinating, captivating, and often emotionally powerful. It implies a strong, almost physical, hold on the attention, preventing distraction and keeping the audience or reader engaged. It suggests a narrative or performance that evokes a sense of suspense, excitement, fear, or empathy, ensuring the viewer or reader remains fully absorbed in the experience.

Gripping meaning with examples

• The detective novel had a gripping plot that kept me guessing until the very last page, with twists and turns I didn't see coming.
• The documentary offered a gripping account of the Everest expedition, filled with harrowing moments and tales of extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity.
• Witnessing the gripping performance of the leading actor left the audience spellbound, utterly captivated by his portrayal of the complex character on stage.
• The film's opening scene was incredibly gripping, creating instant tension and pulling the viewer into the narrative from the very beginning.
• I found the memoir exceptionally gripping, the author's personal story detailed and raw, revealing their deepest emotions and life challenges.