To be caught or arrested (e.g., by the police). Usually written 捕まる.
昨夜、近くで泥棒が捕まったらしい。
It seems a thief was arrested nearby last night.
彼は駐車違反で警察に捕まった。
He was caught by the police for illegal parking.
逃げようとしたが、結局捕まってしまった。
He tried to run away, but in the end he was caught.
To hold on to or grasp something (e.g., a handrail). Often written 掴まる when emphasizing gripping.
電車が揺れるので、手すりに掴まってください。
The train is shaking, so please hold onto the handrail.
子どもが母親の手に掴まって離れようとしない。
The child clings to the mother's hand and won't let go.
梯子の上でしっかり掴まって作業する。
Work while holding firmly to the ladder.
Used to mean finding or getting something (e.g., catching/getting a taxi; finding evidence). Often written in kana.
夜遅くてタクシーがなかなか捕まらなかった。
It was late at night and I couldn't find a taxi easily.
事件の決定的な証拠がやっと捕まったという報道があった。
There was a report that decisive evidence in the case had finally been found.
To be detained or delayed by some circumstance (e.g., caught by bad weather or traffic).
悪天候に捕まってフライトが翌日に延期された。
The flight was postponed until the next day because it was caught by bad weather.
通勤ラッシュに捕まって遅刻してしまった。
I got stuck in the commuting rush and was late.