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Wiktionary
take hold

vb. 1 to grasp, seize 2 to take root, become established

WordNet
take hold
  1. v. assume control [syn: take charge, take control]

  2. have or hold in one's hands or grip; "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"; "A crazy idea took hold of him" [syn: hold] [ant: let go of]

Usage examples of "take hold".

When one finally did, and finally cooperated with his efforts, he coaxed it into a tiny flame, then got the flame to take hold of the driest of the wood.