aferrar

aferrar ah-feh-rahr' (verb)
to grasp, to clutch
1. Mi abuelita odia volar; siempre se cruza y se aferra a los reposabrazos antes de despegar el avión.

My grandma hates to fly; she always crosses herself and clutches the armrests before the plane takes off.

2. Si está lloviendo es importante aferrar al volante con ambas manos para mantener control del coche.

If it's raining it's important to grasp the steering wheel with both hands to maintain control of the car.