grab at (someone or something)

grab at (someone or something)

To attempt to seize or grasp someone or something. The man grabbed at me as I walked by, so I sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. I tried grabbing at the paper in her hand, but she snatched it away from me effortlessly.

See also: grab

grab at someone or something

 and grab for someone or something

to grasp quickly at someone or something; to try to seize someone or something. He grabbed at me, but I got away unscathed. I grabbed at the rope, but missed. The teacher grabbed for the little boy and held him.

See also: grab