aferrar

To grip or clasp firmly, but most common in its reflexive form aferrarse a: to cling stubbornly to an idea, belief, or object, often figuratively — se aferra a sus principios. Also a sailing term for furling and securing sails, its original nautical sense.

• Aferró el volante con las dos manos. — He gripped the steering wheel with both hands.
• Se aferra a la esperanza de volver a verlo. — She clings to the hope of seeing him again.
• Los marineros aferraron las velas antes de la tormenta. — The sailors furled the sails before the storm.

Dropping the reflexive se when talking about clinging to an idea or belief — 'he clings to his opinion' is se aferra a su opinión, not *aferra a su opinión, which would sound like he's physically grabbing the opinion itself rather than mentally holding onto it.

Often confused with agarrar.