This is the 8588th most frequent Japanese word.
握る
"握る" means "to grasp" or "to hold."
In this context, "握る" means to hold or squeeze something, usually with a hand, implying physical contact.
彼は私の手を握った。
He grasped my hand.
Here, "握る" is used metaphorically to mean holding on to something, like keeping control or possession of a non-physical object, such as information.
彼女は秘密をしっかり握っている。
She firmly keeps the secret.
In this case, "握る" signifies taking control or holding authority over something, emphasizing power or dominance.