gripping

(verb) hold fast or firmly. Synonyms: grip. Example: "He gripped the steering wheel."

(verb) to grip or seize, as in a wrestling match. Synonyms: grapple, grip. Example: "The two men grappled with each other for several minutes."

(verb) to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe. Synonyms: fascinate, transfix, grip, spellbind. Example: "The snake charmer fascinates the cobra."

(adj) capable of arousing and holding the attention. Synonyms: absorbing, engrossing, fascinating, riveting. Example: "A fascinating story."